The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, says it has arrested two suspected oil thieves carrying 3,500 litres of petrol in a wooden boat en route to Cameroon.

The commanding officer, Capt. Uche Aneke disclosed this while handing over the suspects and items to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ibaka on Tuesday.

He said the suspects were arrested along the waterways at about 11:15 a.m. on May 18.

Mr Aneke said the navy base received an intelligence report of suspected smuggling activity within her area of operation.

“Consequently, our gunboats on routine patrol were vectored to intercept and arrest the two suspected smugglers.

“They were arrested with a wooden boat that contained 3,500 litres of petrol concealed under goods and covered with tarpaulin.

“The intelligence report indicated that the boat was conveying products suspected to have been smuggled from Grey Creek near Effiat Community and headed towards Cameroon,” he said.

He said the navy, under the watch of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, remained committed to tackling all maritime crime in the state.

Mr Aneke warned individuals or groups planning to indulge in smuggling and other waterway crimes to desist or be made to face the wrath of the law.

The commanding officer stated that 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.

Upon receiving the suspects and items, Michael Asibor, corps superintendent and head of the anti-vandal unit, NSCDC, said further investigation would be conducted.

(NAN)