Ten Suspects Arrested As Navy Intercepts Vessel With 7,000 Barrels Of Crude Oil

The Nigerian Navy has apprehended 10 individuals suspected of engaging in oil bunkering activities in Akwa Ibom State.

The Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Jubilee, Commodore Madumom Ide, disclosed this to newsmen on Friday at Ibaka in Mbo LGA of the state.

He said that the arrest was made at Ikot Abasi LGA of the state on December 28, 2023, adding that the navy impounded a vessel codenamed ‘Motor Tanker Queen Hansal’ containing products suspected to be crude oil.

“Ten suspects were arrested – one captain and nine crew members – all Nigerians.

The vessel, as it stands, has capacity for 1,022 tonnes translating to over 7,000 barrels of oil, which is about over N800 million,” he said.

He revealed that the vessel was arrested by NNS Orji and handed over to NNS Jubilee, adding that it was kept at the Forward Operation Base in Ibaka.

He said the Nigerian Navy was committed to ridding the maritime space of criminals and nefarious activities.

Ide warned those involved in economic sabotage to desist from it.

“The Nigerian Navy has resolved more than ever to stop criminals from raping our common patrimony,” Ide said.

According to him, the suspects, the crude oil and the vessel would be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for further investigation and prosecution.