The Nigerian Navy forward operation base in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom, says it has apprehended three persons over alleged oil theft.

The commanding officer, On Monday, Uche Aneke said that the suspects were caught carrying 1,800 litres of stolen premium motor spirit, also called petrol.

Mr Aneke, who spoke while handing over the suspects to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ibaka, said they were apprehended at about 11:30 a.m. on January 10.

“Our personnel on routine patrol around Bendero and Uta Uyata General Area of Mbo intercepted a wooden boat carrying about 1,800 litres of petrol.

“The product was carefully concealed under cargos that included packs of soft drinks, biscuits, sachet water, cassava flakes, among others. Their intention is to smuggle the product from Nigeria into the Republic of Cameroon,” he said.

He added that the navy, under the watch of the chief of naval staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, was strongly committed to combating maritime crime and economic sabotage.

Mr Aneke warned those involved in oil theft, smuggling and pipeline vandalism to desist forthwith, saying, “Nigeria’s waters and coastal areas are not for illegal activities.”

The commanding officer said the navy would continue to detect criminal elements within the FOB Ibaka operational area through the use of advanced surveillance and intelligence technology.

Receiving the suspects and the seized products on behalf of NSCDC, ASC Willie Emediong said that the suspects would be prosecuted after a thorough investigation.

(NAN)