Naval ship intercepts boats with stolen crude, arrests 30 in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, in the Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has arrested 30 suspected oil thieves and impounded four wooden boats with 16,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel).

The Commanding Officer, FOB, Capt. Mohammed Abu, disclosed this to newsmen while handing over the exhibits and suspects to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Ibaka.

Abu said the Nigerian Navy Ship Thunder, led by Capt. Christian Akokota, intercepted the four boats between November 27 and 28.

He noted that the boats, laden with 16,000 litres of illegally refined AGO, 12,500 litres of AGO mixed with water, and 370 bags of fish, were handed over to FOB Ibaka on November 29.

“These boats and the suspects were handed over to FOB Ibaka on November 29. Consequently, we are handing over the suspects and the boats to the representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

“The boats are right behind me, four in number; one of the boats was ladened with 16,000 litres of illegal refined Automotive Gas Oil and 12,500 litres of AGO mixed with water. The other boat was carrying 113 empty drums of 250kg capacity, and the last boat was carrying 370 bags of fish.

“The suspects are 30 in number; details of the handing over are contained in the handing over note that I am presenting to the representative of the NSCDC.

“On this note, I am handing over the suspects and the exhibits to the representative of the NSCDC, and this is a demonstration of inter-agency cooperation.

“As a prosecuting agency, once they are done with the investigation and prosecution, they will revert to the Nigerian Navy the outcome of their investigation and prosecution,” Abu said.

Receiving the exhibits and suspects on behalf of the NSCDC, Assistant Commandant of Corps, Adamu Jafa’aru, who is the head of the Anti-Vandalism Unit, Akwa Ibom Command, assured that the agency would carry out a thorough investigation and all those found culpable would be prosecuted.

(The PUNCH)