The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has dismantled a syndicate allegedly involved in smuggling petroleum products and other illicit goods to Cameroon and other Gulf of Guinea countries.
The Commanding Officer of the Base, Capt. Uche Aneke, revealed this while handing over the suspects, along with the seized items and other goods worth millions of naira, to officials of the Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
Among those apprehended were three suspected oil thieves found with 2,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, and 1,000 cartons of beer intended for smuggling into Cameroon.
Capt. Aneke disclosed that the arrests occurred during a routine night patrol in the Mbo River at about 7 PM on Wednesday.
“Navy intercepted a wooden boat laden with about 1,000 cartons of different brands of beer and other goods. Upon thorough search, our gunboat discovered drums of PMS amounting to 2,000 litres carefully concealed under the cartons with the intention of smuggling into the Republic of Cameroon,” he explained.
He issued a stern warning to individuals and groups engaged in smuggling or other illegal activities within Nigeria’s waters, urging them to desist or face severe consequences if caught.
Reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to combating maritime crimes in Akwa Ibom State, Aneke stated that criminal elements operating in the FOB Ibaka area, under the Eastern Naval Command’s jurisdiction, would continue to be identified and apprehended using advanced surveillance and intelligence.
“Such criminals will be apprehended and duly prosecuted. Nigeria’s waters and the Nigerian coastal areas are not for illegal activities,” the Navy Commanding Officer emphasized.
