The Nigerian Navy (NNS) Jubilee in Ikot Abasi local government area of Akwa Ibom State said plans have been concluded to hand over 10 suspected oil thieves recently arrested on the waterways of the state to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for more investigation and prosecution, LEADERSHIP Sunday.
It was gathered the Navy operatives busted a syndicate of oil thieves who specialised in various illegal and unwholesome practices including pipeline vandalism, bunkering and oil theft and arrested no fewer than 10 suspects.
Commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore Madumom Ide, who disclosed this to journalists at the weekend said the feat was achieved at the coastal community of Ibaka in Mbo LGA, describing the impounded vessel used by the suspects in the operation as Motor Tanker Queen Hansal.
“Ten suspects were arrested, all Nigerians; one captain and nine crew members in the vessel.
“The vessel as it stands has capacity for 1,022 tonnes that translates to over 7,000 barrels of oil which is about over N800 million, imagine what that amount will do for the community and country at large,” he stated.
He added that the seized vessel was arrested by NNS Orji and handed over to NNS Jubilee, but was kept in Forward Operation Base in Ibaka in Mbo LGA of the state.
The Navy chief said the Nigerian Navy was committed to clearing all the maritime space of criminalities along Akwa Ibom waterways and warned criminal elements involved in economic sabotage to vacate the maritime and coastal areas of the state.
