Ten people have been detained by the Nigerian Navy on suspicion of engaging in oil bunkering in the state of Akwa Ibom.
Commodore Madumom Ide, the commander of the Nigerian Navy ship Jubilee, revealed this to reporters on Friday at Ibaka in the state’s Mbo Local Government Area.
He stated that on December 28, 2023, the arrest was made in the state’s Ikot Abasi LGA. He also said that the navy seized a ship known as the “Motor Tanker Queen Hansal” that was suspected to be carrying 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 stated that the ship was detained at the Forward Operation Base in Ibaka after being taken into custody by NNS Orji and turned over to NNS Jubilee.
He declared that the Nigerian Navy was dedicated to purging criminals and illicit activity from the maritime domain.
Ide issued a warning to anyone engaging in economic sabotage to stop.
“The Nigerian Navy has resolved more than ever to stop criminals from raping our common patrimony,” Ide said.
He said the suspects would be sent over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for additional inquiry and prosecution together with the crude oil and vessel.
