In a significant crackdown on illegal oil activities, the Nigerian Navy has apprehended ten individuals suspected of engaging in oil bunkering in Akwa Ibom State.


Commodore Madumom Ide, the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Jubilee, announced this development to reporters on Friday, unveiling the operation's details at Ibaka in Mbo LGA of the state.


The operation, carried out on December 28, 2023, in Ikot Abasi LGA, resulted in the seizure of a vessel identified as 'Motor Tanker Queen Hansal,' allegedly containing a substantial quantity of crude oil.


"Ten suspects were apprehended – comprising one captain and nine crew members – all of Nigerian nationality," Commodore Ide stated. He further elucidated that the vessel possessed a capacity of 1,022 tonnes, equivalent to over 7,000 barrels of oil, valued at approximately over N800 million.


Detailing the maritime interception, Ide disclosed that NNS Orji executed the initial capture, transferring custody of the vessel to NNS Jubilee. Subsequently, the vessel was securely harbored at the Forward Operation Base in Ibaka.


Ide underscored the Nigerian Navy's unwavering commitment to purging the maritime domain of criminal elements and illicit activities, issuing a stern warning to those engaged in economic sabotage to cease their operations immediately.


Read More: https://naijaupdate.ng/ten-suspects-arrested-as-navy-intercepts-vessel-with-7000-barrels-of-crude-oil/

Every crime happening lately

The operation was carried out since December 28th 2023 and the news is just coming out?

In the time frame from then to this material time, Tantita has arrested over 4 news worthy oil bunkering vessels of note.

One may be tempted to suspect that the crew and vessel are being thrown out for prosecution because they didn't "play ball"

COMRADES This vessel refused to shake hands with the navy that's why it was brought to limelight