The officers of the Nigerian Navy have arrested three suspects allegedly ferrying 10,000 litres of petrol to Cameroon at Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The Commanding Officer of the Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, Navy Capt. Uche Aneke, disclosed this on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

Aneke said the boat, petrol, and the suspects arrested on Monday, March 11, have been over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ibaka.

He said: “Intelligence report indicated that a boat was conveying petrol to Cameroon while transiting within the waters under FOB Ibaka’s area of operation.

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“Gunboats from the Base on routine night patrol were directed to intercept and impound the boat carrying 10,000 litres of petrol concealed under bags and covered with tarpaulin and arrest the occupants.”

He warned individuals and groups involved in the illegal business of petrol smuggling to desist or prepare to face the wrath of the law.

Aneke also warned criminals to steer clear of Nigeria’s territorial waters, stressing that security agencies would not condone illegal activities in the country’s coastal areas.

Receiving the suspects and the exhibits, the Head of NSCDC’s Anti-vandalism Unit in Akwa Ibom State, Michael Asibor, assured of diligent prosecution of the incident.

The Star