Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a significant operation against evolving maritime crime, the Nigerian Navy has arrested six suspected bunkerers and seized a large wooden boat laden with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, concealed under bags of sachet water.
Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, FOB, Bonny, disclosed this at the weekend in Bonny, noting that the arrest was made within the week near Oputumbi Community in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Base Operations Officer, Lt. Commander Siraj Almustapha, said the interception is part of intensified efforts to actualize the operational directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who has charged the Navy with flushing out crude oil thieves and protecting national assets.
“Our personnel stationed at Maritime Guard Post 2 intercepted a wooden boat enroute Ajegunle Community from Kaa Community, laden suspiciously with sachet water bags..On further inspection, 20 large nylon bags filled with approximately 600 liters of suspected illegally refined AGO were discovered hidden beneath.
“We are witnessing a disturbing trend where criminals devise new methods to conceal illegal products. But we are adapting faster. Measures have been activated to dislocate these miscreants and deny them the freedom to operate within our area.”
Almustapha recalled previous successful operations, including the March 28, 2025 rescue of 15 kidnapped passengers from a market boat near Opuadakiri Community, underscoring the Navy’s resolve to secure commercial routes and critical national infrastructure.
“These criminal elements are constantly evolving their tactics, but our commitment remains unshaken. We will continue to secure our maritime environment and cripple all illegal activities,” he stressed.
The Nigerian Navy also urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to assist ongoing security efforts in the region.
The six suspects and the confiscated boat have been handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for further investigation and prosecution.
Divisional Officer of NSCDC in Bonny, Mamah Sunday, officially received the suspects and exhibits from the Navy.
