The forward operating base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy in Akwa Ibom says it has arrested three men suspected of smuggling petrol to Cameroon.
The suspects were nabbed at Ibaka in Mbo LGA of Akwa Ibom on Monday as they were ferrying 10,000 litres of petrol to Cameroon.
Uche Aneke, the commanding officer of the base, on Wednesday handed over the suspects, the boat, and the petrol to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps in Ibaka.
He added that intelligence report indicated that a boat was conveying petroleum products to the Republic of Cameroon while transiting within the waters under FOB Ibaka’s area of operation.
“Gunboats from the Base on routine night patrol were directed to intercept and impound the boat carrying 10,000 litres of petrol concealed under bags and covered with tarpaulin and arrest the occupants,’’ Aneke said.
Michael Asibor, head of NSCDC’s anti-vandalism unit in the state, promised a thorough investigation of the case upon receiving the suspects and the exhibits.
Aneke warned individuals and groups involved in illegal petroleum product smuggling to comply with the law and to avoid Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The commanding officer stressed that security agencies would not condone illegal activities in the country’s coastal areas.
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