Nigerian Navy has arrested and handed over six suspects, a wooden boat laden with 6,790 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC) in Akwa Ibom state.
Nigeriacrime.com learned that the boat was conveying products suspected to have been smuggled from a creek and heading to the Republic of Cameroon while transiting within the waters under FOB Ibaka area of operation.
Confirming the development, the Commanding Officer, Navy’s Forward Operation Base (FOB), Ibaka, Capt. Uche Aneke, disclosed on Monday that his men received an intelligence report on suspected smuggling activities within the FOB area of operation, resulting in the arrest.
Aneke said, “Falcon Eye Alignment Intelligence report indicated that a boat was conveying products suspected to have been smuggled from a creek and heading to the Republic of Cameroon while transiting within the waters under FOB Ibaka area of operation.
“Consequently, the gunboats from the Base on routine patrols were vectored to intercept and arrest six smugglers in a wooden boat that contained 6, 790 litres of PMS concealed under 25 bags of yam, cartons of drinks, cornflakes and over 200 cartons of tiles covered with a tarpaulin.
“Under the current leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, we will ensure that maritime crimes can’t continue in the maritime and coastal areas of Akwa Ibom.”
Receiving the suspects, boat and loaded fuel on behalf of the NSCDC, Akwa Ibom Command, Superintendent of Corps, Mr Michael Asibor, Head of Anti Vandal Unit, said the corps would carry out further investigation and prosecution.
“The next line of actions, is to interrogate them and as soon as our investigation is concluded, they would be charged to court for prosecution immediately,” Asibor said.