Navy impounds boat smuggling petrol to Cameroon, arrests 3 suspects

The Nigerian Navy arrested three men at Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom on Monday as they were ferrying 10,000 litres of petrol to Cameroon.

Commanding Officer of the Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, Navy Capt. Uche Aneke, handed the suspects, the boat, and the petrol over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps in Ibaka on Wednesday.

“Intelligence report indicated that a boat was conveying petroleum products to the Republic of Cameroon while transiting within the waters under FOB Ibaka’s area of operation.

“Gunboats from the Base on routine night patrol were directed to intercept and impound the boat carrying 10,000 litres of petrol concealed under bags and covered with tarpaulin and arrest the occupants,’’ Aneke said.

He warned individuals and groups involved in the illegal business of petroleum products smuggling to desist or prepare to face the wrath of the law.

Aneke also warned criminals to steer clear of Nigeria’s territorial waters, stressing that security agencies would not condone illegal activities in the country’s coastal areas.

Receiving the suspects and the exhibits, Head of NSCDC’s Anti-vandalism Unit in Akwa Ibom, Mr Michael Asibor, assured of diligent prosecution of the incident.