The Nigerian Navy has arrested 10 suspects and impounded a vessel containing a Petroleum Product suspected to be crude oil in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Jubilee, Madumom Ide, disclosed this to journalists at Ibaka in the Mbo Local Government Area of the state on Friday.
The alledged suspects are said to be dealing in oil bunkering in the State.
Ide stated, “One captain, nine crew members, and ten suspects, all Nigerians, were taken into custody. The vessel seized can hold 1,022 tonnes, which is equivalent to over 7,000 barrels of oil and over N800 million.
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“Just think of the positive impact that sum will have on the nation and the community,” he said.
He emphasised that the Nigerian Navy is dedicated to protecting maritime space and issued a warning to those who engage in economic sabotage, telling them to stop or risk being taken into custody.
He said the suspects, crude oil, and the vessel would be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for further investigation .