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The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka has apprehended three suspects allegedly involved in crude oil theft in Akwa Ibom State.
The suspects were found in possession of a wooden boat loaded with crude oil worth an estimated ₦32 million.
Captain Uche Aneke, the Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka, disclosed the arrest during a formal handover of the suspects to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Akwa Ibom on Thursday.
Aneke detailed that the operation took place on Tuesday around 9:05 a.m. following an intelligence report indicating suspicious activities in the waters.
“With the necessary support of FOB Ibaka, the Tantita team intercepted and arrested the suspected criminals,” he said.
The suspects were found with a vessel containing approximately 60,000 litres of crude oil, loaded in 11 Geepee tanks and obtained offshore from Ibeno, Akwa Ibom.
In addition to the crude oil, outboard engines and a pumping machine were among the items seized from the vessel.
“At the time of arrest, the wooden boat had a total of three crew members, all Nigerian nationals,” Aneke confirmed.
The Commanding Officer also warned against any attempts to engage in criminal activities in Nigerian waters.
“Individuals or groups planning to carry out any form of criminality or smuggling illegal consignments into or out of Nigeria’s waters should desist immediately,” he cautioned.
The case has now been transferred to the EFCC for further investigation and prosecution.