The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area, has intercepted a wooden boat transporting over 4,200 litres of illegally acquired fuel in Akwa Ibom.
FOB Commanding Officer, Navy Capt. Aliyu Abdullahi, disclosed this on Friday, stating that the interception occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 5 during a routine night patrol around Ebughu Creek in Mbo.
According to Abdullahi, intelligence reports alerted the Navy to the presence of suspected fuel smugglers in the area, prompting swift action by a naval gunboat.
“During a thorough search, a wooden boat carrying over 4,200 litres of petrol was discovered,” he said.
Upon sighting the naval patrol team, the suspected smugglers abandoned the boat onshore and fled to evade arrest. The fuel was allegedly being smuggled from Nigeria to Cameroon.
Abdullahi issued a stern warning to individuals or groups engaging in fuel smuggling and other maritime crimes, urging them to desist immediately.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s territorial waters under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla.
“With advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence gathering, criminal activities within the Eastern Naval Command’s jurisdiction will continue to be disrupted,” he added.
