The Nigerian Navy in Ibaka Akwa Ibom State says its operatives have arrested six suspects conveying 6,790 litres of illegal Premium Motor Spirit to the Republic of Cameroon.
The Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base, FOB, Ibaka, Capt. Uche Aneke who disclosed this on Monday while handing over the suspects and the seized products to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corp, NSCDC, in Akwa Ibom, said the base achieved the feat following intelligence.
“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 the 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.
He said the base under the current leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, will maintain zero tolerance to maritime crimes in Akwa Ibom.
Receiving the 6 suspects, the wooden boat and 6, 790 litres of PMS on behalf of 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 action is to interrogate them and as soon as our investigation is concluded, they would be charged to court for prosecution immediately,” Asibor said.