The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, has arrested three suspected oil thieves carrying 2,000 litres of petrol to smuggle it to the Republic of Cameroon.

The commanding officer of the base, Uche Aneke, disclosed this while handing over the suspects, seized items and other goods to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom command, on Friday.

Mr Aneke said the suspects were arrested on Wednesday at about 7:00 p.m. while the navy operatives were on a routine night patrol at Mbo River during stop-and-search.

“Navy intercepted a wooden vessel laden with about 1,000 cartons of different brands of beer and other goods; upon thorough a search on the gunboat, we discovered 2,000-litre drums of PMS carefully concealed under the cartons,” Mr Aneke said.

He warned individuals or groups involved in smuggling or any form of criminal activity within Nigeria’s waters, urging them to desist immediately.

Mr Aneke reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to combating maritime crimes under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

He said criminal elements in the FOB Ibaka area of operations under the Eastern naval command area of responsibility would continue to be detected using advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence.

“Such criminals will be apprehended and duly prosecuted. Nigeria’s waters and the Nigerian coastal areas are not for illegal activities,” Mr Aneke said.

Receiving the seized items, suspects, and other goods, Willie Sunday, the assistant superintendent of corps, NSCDC, Akwa Ibom command, said the corps would investigate further and possibly prosecute the suspects.

(NAN)