By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka in Mbo Local Council said it arrested 14 suspected oil thieves, smugglers in Akwa Ibom in the first quarter of 2024.
Capt. Uche Aneke, the Commanding Officer FOB, Ibaka disclosed this with the newsmen in Ibaka on Friday.
Aneke noted that the suspects were arrested for alleged smuggling, oil thieves, cultism, economic sabotage, sea robbery and other forms of criminality within the Joint operations area.
He said that the suspects had been handed over to the sister agencies for further interrogation and prosecution.
“Since the commencement of these operations in January 2024, the base has continued to conduct intensive patrols and operations targeted at reducing crime within our area of operations.” Aneke said.
According to him, the arrests and seizures within the period are not just isolated successes but achievements recorded as a result of operational implementation and tactical execution.
He however, explained that generally the security situation in her area of operations was relatively peaceful.
“The FOB Ibaka, covers Nigeria Eastern flanks consisting of the sea approaches from Calabar up till the new international maritime boundaries between Nigeria and Republic of Cameroon.
“This also includes land masses covering Mbo, Udung Uko and Oron LGAs of Akwa Ibom.” Aneke added.
He said that the base had been able to reduce criminal activities to the barest minimum through intensive operations along with security stakeholders within the joint operations area.
The Commanding Officer said that FOB Ibaka was working with Operating Delta Sanity to reduced economic sabotage in the waterways to the barest minimum.
He said that Operation Delta Sanity which FOB, Ibaka is part of had been reinforced by the resolve of FOB, Ibaka as well as other bases involved in the operations.
He noted that the base had employed 35 civilian staff, adding that the staff were not only paid but fed three times daily.
Aneke said that the base has a cordial relationship with the host communities.
He declared the Nigerian Navy under his watch has zero tolerance for oil thieves and economic sabotage.
Aneke commended the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for providing the resources and moral support needed by the Nigerian Navy.
