Operatives of the Marine Police in Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom State have smashed an illegal bunkering syndicate, arresting two suspected oil thieves and impounded a wooden boat loaded with the product around the Okposo axis.
LEADERSHIP gathered that most of the petroleum products are usually shipped by the suspects in the flourishing business to some central African countries through the Gulf of Guinea, especially the neihbouring Cameroun.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Akwa Ibom Command, DSP Timfon John, who confirmed this to Journalists in Uyo, explained that the arrest followed credible intelligence.
“Akwa Ibom State Marine Police has successfully intercepted a large wooden boat and arrested two suspects for the unlawful possession of petroleum products which constituted an act of economic sabotage.
“The operation took place on August 2, 2025, at approximately 0530 hours, in the Okposo waterways within the Mbo LGA.
“Acting on a credible intelligence, the Marine Police mobilised two gunboats to the location where a large wooden boat was sighted, laden with what is suspected to be stolen crude oil.
“The vessel was reportedly sailing towards the maritime border between Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon,” John said.
She explained that “The swift action of the Marine Police led to the apprehension of the two suspects and the recovery of the boat and its contents.”
Timfon added that the petroleum product is believed to have been stolen from the weir head of an oil pipeline.
Investigation, according to her, was ongoing and warned criminal elements in the habits of perpetrating criminal activities across Nigerian borders to other countries to be wary, vowing that the law would not spare any culprits when caught.
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