The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka has successfully apprehended three individuals suspected of being involved in crude oil theft. The suspects were caught transporting a boat loaded with stolen crude oil valued at N32 million in Akwa Ibom State.

Captain Uche Aneke, the Commanding Officer of the base, made this revelation while handing over the suspects and the seized items to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Akwa Ibom Command, on Thursday at the Ibaka base.

According to Captain Aneke, the suspects were arrested on Tuesday at approximately 09:05 AM, following an intelligence report that alerted authorities to the activities of criminal elements involved in crude oil theft within the Navy’s area of responsibility.

With the assistance of the Tantita team, who provided crucial support, the FOB Ibaka team intercepted the criminals aboard a wooden boat. The boat was found to be carrying around 60,000 liters of suspected stolen crude oil. In addition to the stolen oil, other items seized included outboard engines and a pumping machine.

Aneke further explained that at the time of the arrest, there were three crew members aboard the vessel, all Nigerian nationals. The boat was equipped with 11 Geepee tanks, each containing crude oil believed to have been illegally sourced from offshore Ibeno in Akwa Ibom.

Captain Aneke issued a stern warning to anyone or any group contemplating illegal activities, particularly those engaged in criminal acts or smuggling in Nigeria’s waters. He urged them to desist from such actions immediately, emphasizing the Navy’s determination to continue fighting maritime crimes.

He also reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the security of the nation’s maritime environment, under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.