BY DENNIS UDOMA, Uyo
The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom has intercepted a vessel ladened with 30, 000 liters of crude oil and 8 suspected oil thieves heading to a neighbouring country.
Commanding Officer, FOB Ibaka, Capt. Uche Aneke made this known to newsmen in Mbo on Wednesday, while handing over the vessel, suspects and exhibits to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Aneke said both vessel, suspects and the products were siezed on 23rd Febraury at about 3:55 p.m adding that, the current global market price of 30,000 litres of the product is about N3 billion equivalent.
According to him, “the vessel was arrested by NNS – Ekulu through the collaborative efforts of Exxon – Mobil supported with intelligence and the Cameroonian Navy also supported with interception when the vessel tried to escape into the international waters through Nigeria’s border with Cameroon.
“As at the time of arrest, the vessel had a total of 8 crew members (all Nigerians). The vessel was discovered to have four Geepee tanks filled with products suspected to be crude oil in the various compartments of the vessel”.
Aneke however, warned individuals and groups indulging in any form of criminality in Nigerian waters or smuggling illegal consignments in or out of Nigeria to refrain nothing, the Navy is committed towards detecting every criminal moves using advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence.
“Under the current leadership of Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, we will ensure that, it is impossible for maritime crime to continue in the maritime and coastal areas of Akwa Ibom.
“Such Criminals will be apprehended and duly prosecuted.
The Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, Mr Terseer Polycarp, while receiving the suspects, crude oil and the vessel thanked the Navy and promised to further investigate the matter.