According to the navy, the prime suspect, Godwin ‘Idiot’, was apprehended at a night market where he was allegedly extorting illegal levies from traders.
The confrontation was captured on video and went viral on social media.
He said the operation reflects the Navy’s resolve to curb oil bunkering and maritime crimes.
Mr Folorunsho highlighted recent search-and-rescue successes, including the rescue of 16 passengers during a sea robbery incident in the Ibaka–Calabar Channel in March.
The commanding officer said the suspects’ intention was to smuggle the product from Nigeria into the Republic of Cameroun.
Mr Mobereola commended all organs of government for the partnership during the search and recovery operations.
Mr Ubah said this on Thursday at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, U.S.
“Investigation revealed that the suspects were conveying the materials to Bille, a riverine community, with the intent to construct an illegal refinery.
The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, in the Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom, has seized 9,250 litres of suspected petrol.
He said piracy on Nigeria’s waters had been dealt with following the navy’s hard work and the will of the maritime stakeholders and political class.
