In a significant operation conducted by the Nigerian Navy Jubilee stationed in the Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, 10 suspects have been apprehended, and a vessel carrying a petroleum product suspected to be crude oil has been impounded.
Commander Madumom Ide of NNS Jubilee in Ikot Abasi revealed this development to journalists at Ibaka in the Mbo Local Government Area of the state, stating that the vessel in question was identified as Motor Tanker Queen Hansal.
The arrests and seizure occurred on December 28, 2023, as disclosed by Ide, who further detailed, “Among the apprehended are 10 suspects, all Nigerian nationals, comprising one captain and nine crew members onboard the vessel. The vessel boasts a capacity of 1,022 tonnes, equivalent to over 7,000 barrels of oil, valued at over N800 million. Just ponder the immense benefits this amount could yield for both the community and the nation as a whole.”
Emphasizing the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding maritime territories, Ide issued a stern warning to individuals involved in acts of economic sabotage, cautioning them to halt their activities or face legal consequences.
He announced plans to transfer the suspects, along with the seized crude oil and vessel, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for thorough investigation and subsequent prosecution, underscoring the seriousness with which such offenses are treated.