Navy arrests three over ‘petrol theft’ in Akwa Ibom

The forward operation base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy in Akwa Ibom state says it has arrested three persons over alleged petrol theft in the state.

Uche Aneke, commanding officer of the base, said the suspects were apprehended at about 11.30 am on January 10, while trying to smuggle 1,800 litres of stolen petrol to Cameroun.

“Our personnel on routine patrol around Bendero and Uta Uyata General Area of Mbo, intercepted a wooden boat carrying about 1,800 litres of petrol,” Aneke said.

“The product was carefully concealed under cargos which included packs of soft drinks, biscuits, sachet water, casava flakes among others.

“Their intention is to smuggle the product from Nigeria into the Republic of Cameroun.”

The commanding officer reiterated navy’s commitment to combating maritime crime and economic sabotage in the country.

He warned those involved in oil theft to desist as “Nigeria’s waters and coastal areas are not for illegal activities”.

Aneke noted that the navy would continue to advance its surveillance within the region with intelligence technology.

The suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state.

Willie Emediong, who received the suspects and the seized products on behalf of the NSCDC assistant superintendent of corps, said they would be prosecuted after “thorough” investigation.