Navy seizes illegal petrol in Akwa Ibom

File photo: Oil bunkering in Nigeria (Photo credits: Pilot Africa)

By Kazeem Ibrahym

Officers and men of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday intercepted a Volkswagen Vento car allegedly registered as DUK 144 XA and XW 717 ABC, used in conveying “illegal” oil products suspected to be refined Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol.

The ship’s commander, Commodore David Adeniran, said three suspects had been arrested.
He said the command recovered, from various criminals’ hideouts, about 8,420 litres of products suspected to be PMS, two generators, one pumping machine and 1-40 horsepower outboard engine.
Adeniran spoke at NNS Jubilee Base in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area when he handed over the suspects, the vehicle, other machines and the products to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The commodore was represented by the base’s Executive Officer, Navy Capt. Emmanuel Nmoyen.
Adeniran said: “What we did this afternoon was to hand over to the NSCDC the culprits caught with the products and the vehicle.
“We want to use this opportunity to acknowledge the assistance of the communities, because without them, we may not be able to arrest. So, we want to enjoin them to continue to give information to us.”
On the importance of effective collaboration with other security agencies to combat criminalities, Adeniran said the NSCDC needed to continually cooperate and maintain existing harmonious relationship to strengthen security in the state.
NSCDC’s State Commandant Emmanuel Ojeniyi, who was represented by the Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Mr. Ime White, hailed the Navy Commander for protecting the maritime environment.
He said this would stave off those sabotaging the nation’s economy.
Ojeniyi assured the commander that the NSCDC would carry out a thorough investigation, saying the synergy between them would be continually cemented.

Culled from The Nations