Navy arrests three suspects with 19 drums of PMS

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday, arrested three suspects with 19 drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The Base Operating Officer, Lt. Cdr. Daniel Onyemaeze, said during the handover of the suspects and products, said the 19 drums of PMS, made up of 250 litres each, were seized with one wooden boat.

Onyemaeze explained that the suspects were arrested on Monday, August 29, 2022, along Effiat waterways by Navy personnel during a routine patrol.

He warned perpetrators of illegal bunkering, oil theft and other criminal activities to desist from the nefarious activities or the wrath of the law would catch up with them.

He said the handover of the suspects and exhibits to the NSCDC is for further investigation and action.

“The FOB Ibaka is handing over 19 drums of products suspected to be PMS to NSCDC. They were intercepted by our personnel in FOB Ibaka during our routine patrol of waterways.

“This is in line with the mandate of the Chief of Naval Staff to curtail illegal activities and criminal activities in the waterways,” he stated.

While receiving the suspects and exhibits, the Superintendent Corps of NSCDC, Odo commended the efforts of the Navy to reduce illegality on the waterways to the barest minimum.

“We express our gratitude to the Nigerian Navy, FOB Ibaka for the correlation that has existed between the Navy and NSCDC.

“I enjoin the Navy to continue in their good work, and we promise them that we will never fail in carrying out further investigations and persecution of the culprits,” he said.