The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its resolve to sustain aggressive operations against all forms of insecurity.
Mr Ahunanya said the vessel was en route from Gabon to Calabar with scrap materials and other logistics.
Mr Irabor said the troops carried out the operation after receiving information about a family planning to pay ransom to kidnappers
Mr Usman said the discovery was made possible through “a robust intelligence network” and the vigilance of naval personnel.
The commanding officer said the suspects’ intention was to smuggle the product from Nigeria into the Republic of Cameroun.
Mr Usman said the navy uncovered nine illegal refining sites at the Obenla community in the Ilaje LGA.
Mr Aneke said that the suspects were arrested on Tuesday, at about 8:30am. .
“The products were suspected to have been smuggled into Nigeria from Benin Republic.”
“We believe that the destruction of these jerrycans is one of the ways to stop this crime.’’
Mr Adamu said after the conviction and sentencing by the court, MT Heroic Idun and its owners were mandated to pay conviction fines and restitution.
