The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka, located in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has apprehended eight individuals believed to be involved in oil theft. Additionally, a vessel carrying 30,000 liters of crude oil was seized during the operation.
Capt. Uche Aneke, the Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka, made this declaration during the formal transfer of the suspects, vessel, and related evidence to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Ibaka.
Aneke disclosed that the apprehension of the suspects, vessel, and suspected crude oil products occurred precisely on February 23rd, around 3:55 p.m.
‘The current global market price of 30,000 litres of crude oil is about N3 billion equivalent,’ Aneke said.
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Upon receiving the suspects, vessel, and exhibits, Mr. Terseer Polycarp, the Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, pledged to conduct thorough interrogation into the matter.
‘As at the time of arrest, the vessel had a total of 8 crew members (all Nigerians). The vessel was discovered to have four Geepee tanks loaded with products suspected to be crude oil and in various compartments,’ Aneke stated.
Aneke warned individuals or groups interested in planning to carry out any form of criminality in Nigerian waters or smuggling illegal consignments into or out of Nigeria, to desist forthwith.
‘We are committed towards detecting every criminal move around our operational area using advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence.
‘Under the current leadership of Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, we will ensure that, it is impossible for maritime crime to continue in the maritime and coastal areas of Akwa Ibom.
‘Such Criminals will be apprehended and duly prosecuted. Nigeria’s water and coastal areas are not for illegal activities,’ he said.
Upon receiving the suspects, vessel, and exhibits, Mr. Terseer Polycarp, the Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, pledged to conduct thorough interrogation into the matter.