Busted! Nigeria Navy arrests 30 oil thieves in Akwa Ibom, impounds 4 wooden boats

By Kalu Onyemaechi

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Ibaka, Mbo LGA of Akwa Ibom, has impounded four wooden boats laden with 16,000 litres of illegally-refined petrol and arrested 30 suspects.

According to Peoples Gazette, the Commanding Officer of the base, Mohammed Abu, disclosed this to journalists in Ibaka on Saturday, when he handed over the exhibits and suspects to a representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Mr Abu said the Nigerian Navy Ship, Thunder, commanded by Christian Akokota, intercepted four boats between November 27 and 28.

The boats were laden with 16,000 litres of illegally-refined petrol and another 12,500 litres of petrol mixed with water and 370 bags of fish.

The Commander said the boats are “four in number, one of the boats was laden with 16,000 litres of illegal refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 12,500 litres of AGO mixed with water.

“The other boat was carrying 113 empty drums of 250kg capacity and the last boat was carrying 370 bags of fish.

“The suspects are 30 in number, details of the handing over are contained in the handing over note that I am presenting to the NSCDC representative, and this is a demonstration of inter agency cooperation,” Mr Abu said.

Receiving the exhibits and suspects on behalf of the NSCDC, Assistant Commandant of Corps, Adamu Jafa’aru, Head of Anti Vandalism Unit, Akwa Ibom Command, said the agency would investigate and prosecute the suspects and their accomplice.

“I have received 30 suspects and four boats and other exhibits on behalf of the NSCDC. The Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, has ordered us to go after all forms of vandalism,” he said.

He warned vandals and all those sabotaging the economy of the nation to desist from their heinous crimes, as the agency would not relent in its mandate of protecting government’s critical infrastructure.