Navy arrests 10 suspects with stolen crude oil in A’Ibom

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Jubilee in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area have arrested 10 suspects and impounded a vessel containing products suspected to be crude oil in the state.

The Commander of NNS Jubilee in Ikot Abasi, Commodore Madumom Ide, who disclosed this to newsmen at Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area on Friday said that the vessel impounded was called Motor Tanker Queen Hansal

He added that the suspects and vessel were arrested on December 28, 2023.

“10 suspects were arrested, all Nigerians, one captain and nine crew members in the vessel.

“The vessel as it stands has a capacity for 1,022 tonnes that translates to over 7,000 barrels of oil which is about over N800 million, imagine what that amount will do for the community and country at large,” he said.

While stressing that the Nigerian Navy was committed to safeguarding the maritime space, Ide warned those criminal elements involved in economic sabotage to desist or risk being arrested.

“Nigerian Navy has resolved more than ever to stop the criminals from ripping our common patrimony,” Ide said, adding that the suspects, crude oil, and the vessel would be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for further investigation and prosecution.

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