The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, has successfully dismantled a syndicate involved in smuggling petroleum products and other contraband goods to Cameroon and other nations within the Gulf of Guinea region.
Three suspected oil thieves were arrested while attempting to smuggle 2,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 1,000 cartons of beer to the Republic of Cameroon. The arrests were made during a routine night patrol on Wednesday around 7 pm, in Mbo River, as part of the Navy’s ongoing stop-and-search operations. Capt. Uche Aneke, Commanding Officer (CO) of the base, confirmed the arrest and disclosed that the suspects were found aboard a wooden boat.
Upon conducting a thorough search, the Navy’s gunboat discovered the hidden drums of PMS concealed beneath the cartons of beer, all intended for illicit export to Cameroon. Speaking after the operation, Capt. Aneke warned individuals and groups involved in illegal activities, including smuggling, to cease immediately, as they would face the full force of the law if apprehended. He reiterated the Navy’s determination to combat maritime crimes in the region, highlighting that advanced surveillance and intelligence would be used to identify and apprehend criminals involved in such activities.
“The Nigerian coastal waters are not a haven for illegal activities,” Aneke stressed, vowing that the Navy would continue to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain. The items, along with the suspects, were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation. Assistant Superintendent of the Corps, Mr. Willie Sunday, confirmed that the NSCDC would continue to probe the case, aiming to establish the suspects’ culpability and proceed with their prosecution.
