Nigerian Navy Foils Petrol Smuggling Ring in Akwa Ibom, Cameroon Bound
The Nigerian Navy has made a significant arrest in its fight against petroleum smuggling and other illicit activities. A syndicate involving three individuals was caught trying to smuggle 2,000 liters of petrol and 1,000 cartons of beer out of Akwa Ibom State and into neighboring Cameroon.
The arrests were made on a routine night patrol by the Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Navy in Ibaka, Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom State. The suspected oil thieves were found in possession of the petrol and beer, which were hidden under the beer cartons in a wooden boat.
The Commander of the Base, Captain Uche Aneke, confirmed the arrests and emphasized that the Navy has transferred the suspects and seized items to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Akwa Ibom Command.
Aneke cautioned individuals and groups engaged in smuggling or any other illegal activities within Nigeria’s waters to stop their activities immediately, warning that those caught would face the full extent of the law.
The Nigerian Navy has reiterated its commitment to addressing maritime crimes in the region, utilizing advanced surveillance technology and intelligence gathering to identify and apprehend criminal activities in its operational area.
In a statement, Willie Sunday, Assistant Superintendent of the NSCDC, pledged that the Command would conduct a thorough investigation into the case to establish the culpability of the suspects and initiate prosecution proceedings.
