By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
The Nigerian Navy (NNS) Jubilee in Ikot Abasi Local Council of Akwa Ibom has arrested 10 suspects and a vessel containing products suspected to be crude oil in the state.
Commodore Madumom Ide, the Commander of NNS Jubilee in Ikot Abasi who made this known to newsmen at Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area yesterday added that the vessel, “Motor Tanker Queen Hansal” and the suspects were arrested in the last week of December.
“10 suspects were arrested, all Nigerians, one captain and 9 crew members in the vessel.
“The vessel as it stands has capacity for 1,022 tonnes that translate to over 7,000 barrel of oil which is about over N800 million, imagine what that amount will do for the community and country at large,” Ide said.
He further explained that the vessel was arrested by NNS Orji and handed over to NNS Jubilee but was kept in Forward Operation Base in Ibaka in Mbo Local Council of the state.
He said the Nigerian Navy was committed to clear all the maritime space of criminalities in Akwa Ibom waterways.
Ide warned those criminal elements involved in economy sabotage to desist from maritime and coastal areas of the state.
“Nigerian Navy has resolved more than ever to stopped the criminals from ripping our common patrimony.” He said.
Ide said that the suspects, crude oil and the vessel would be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), for further investigation and prosecution.
