Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Navy says it has arrested three individuals suspected of attempting to smuggle 20,000 litres of petrol into the Republic of Cameroon.
The arrest took place yesterday during a routine night patrol on Mbo River, according to the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base, FOB, in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State.
The Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Captain Uche Aneke, disclosed the details of the operation, saying, “The suspects were arrested at about 7 p.m. while our operatives were conducting a stop-and-search during a routine patrol.
“Upon intercepting the wooden vessel, which was laden with about 1,000 cartons of different brands of beer and other goods, we discovered 100 drums of PMS carefully concealed under the cartons,” Aneke added.
The seized items, along with the suspects, were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for further investigation.
Captain Aneke also reiterated the Navy’s commitment to combating maritime crimes, and issued a stern warning to those involved in illicit activities.
He said: “I warn individuals or groups involved in smuggling or any form of criminal activity within Nigeria’s waters to desist immediately.
“Criminal elements in the FOB Ibaka area of operations under the Eastern Naval Command Area of Responsibility will continue to be detected using advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence.
“Nigeria’s waters and the Nigerian coastal areas are not for illegal activities.”
Receiving the suspects and exhibit, the Assistant Superintendent of Corps, NSCDC, Akwa Ibom Command, Willie Sunday, confirmed the transfer, saying, “We will further investigate and possibly prosecute the suspects.”
