Navy apprehends vessel with 7,000 barrels of crude oil, arrests 10 suspects

The Nigerian Navy has arrested 10 persons suspected to be dealing in oil bunkering in Akwa Ibom.

Commodore Madumom Ide, the commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee, disclosed this to journalists on Friday in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of the state.

He said the navy arrested the suspects in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area on December 28, 2023.

The commander added that the impounded vessel, codenamed “Motor Tanker Queen Hansal” contained products suspected to be crude oil.

“Ten suspects were arrested—one captain and nine crew members—all Nigerians.

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“The vessel, as it stands, has a capacity for 1,022 tonnes, translating to over 7,000 barrels of oil, which is about N800 million,” Mr Ide stated.

He disclosed that the vessel was arrested by NNS Orji and handed over to NNS Jubilee, adding that it was kept at the Forward Operation Base in Ibaka.

Mr Ide said the Nigerian Navy was committed to ridding the maritime space of criminals and nefarious activities.

He said the suspects, the crude oil and the vessel would be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for further investigation and prosecution.

NAN