The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka in Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom state said it intercepted a vessel with 30,000 litres of smuggled crude oil.
The Commanding Officer, FOB Ibaka, Capt. Uche Aneke disclosed that 8 suspected oil thieves have been arrested in connection with the crime.
Aneke stated this while handing over the vessel, suspects and exhibits to Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), in Ibaka yesterday.
He said that the vessel, suspects and products suspected to be crude oil was arrested on 23rd Feb., at about 3:55p.m on Friday.
“The current global market price of 30,000 litres of crude oil is about N3 billion equivalent,” Aneke said.
According to him, the vessel was arrested by NNS Ekulu through the collaborative efforts of ExxonMobil which supporter with necessary intelligence and the Cameroonian Navy which supported with interception when the vessel tried to escape by crossing International waters through Nigeria’s border with Cameroon.
“As at the time of arrest, the vessel had a total of 8 crew members (all Nigerians). The vessel was discovered to have four Geepee tanks loaded with products suspected to be crude oil and in various compartments,” Aneke stated.
Aneke warned individuals or groups interested in planning to carry out any form of criminality in Nigerian waters or smuggling illegal consignments into or out of Nigeria, to desist forthwith.
“We are committed towards detecting every criminal move around our operational area using advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence.
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“Under the current leadership of Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, we will ensure that, it is impossible for maritime crime to continue in the maritime and coastal areas of Akwa Ibom.
“Such Criminals will be apprehended and duly prosecuted. Nigeria’s water and coastal areas are not for illegal activities,” he said.
Receiving the vessel, suspects and exhibits, the Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, Mr Terseer Polycarp promised further interrogation into the matter. The Nation.