The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, situated in Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, has detained two individuals over the alleged theft of 2,100 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS).
Commanding Officer Aliyu Abdullahi made the disclosure while handing over the suspects and the seized items to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ibaka on Monday.
Abdullahi explained that the suspects were apprehended around 7:45 p.m. on January 24 during a routine patrol along the Mbo River. Navy personnel intercepted a wooden boat that was carrying the stolen petrol, which had been concealed under various cargo, including bread, fruits, and bags of cassava flakes.
The commanding officer further revealed that the suspects intended to smuggle the fuel from Nigeria into Cameroon.
Under the direction of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Abdullahi assured that FOB Ibaka would continue to focus on eradicating criminal activities in the waterways.
“We are committed to detecting and disrupting illegal activities in our waters, utilizing cutting-edge surveillance systems and intelligence,” he affirmed.
Abdullahi also warned individuals or groups involved in smuggling or other illicit activities within Nigeria’s maritime boundaries to cease immediately.
After receiving the suspects and the seized goods, ASC Willie Emediong from the NSCDC confirmed that the suspects would face prosecution following a comprehensive investigation.