Akwa-Ibom: Navy Arrest Suspected Petrol Smuggling Syndicate

The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, has successfully dismantled a syndicate involved in smuggling petroleum products and other goods to neighboring countries.

This operation shows the Navy's ongoing commitment to securing Nigeria's maritime borders.

The Commanding Officer of the base, Capt. Uche Aneke, revealed that during a routine night patrol on the Mbo River, Navy personnel intercepted a wooden boat laden with contraband. "Upon thorough search, our gunboat discovered drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) amounting to 2,000 litres, carefully concealed under 1,000 cartons of different brands of beer," Capt. Aneke explained.

The goods were intended for smuggling into the Republic of Cameroon.

Three suspects were apprehended during the operation and have been handed over to the Akwa-Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) along with the seized items. Capt.

Aneke issued a stern warning to those engaged in smuggling or any form of criminal activity within Nigeria’s waters, stating, "Such criminals will be apprehended and duly prosecuted. Nigeria’s waters and the Nigerian coastal areas are not for illegal activities."