The Forward Operation Base of the Nigerian Navy in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom, apprehended two individuals and seized their wooden boat carrying 5,100 litres of petrol.

On Sunday, Navy Capt. Uche Aneke, the Commanding Officer of the base, handed over the suspects, the boat, and the petrol to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ibaka.

The arrest occurred on February 22 when a Navy patrol team acted on an intelligence report regarding suspected smuggling activities in the area.

Navy Capt. Aneke explained that naval gunboats intercepted the wooden boat, revealing the two suspected smugglers and 5,100 litres of petrol concealed beneath bags of yams, cartons of drinks, other beverages, and several cartons of floor tiles, all covered with tarpaulin.

He issued a warning to those involved in illegal activities to cease their actions, emphasizing that security agencies would not tolerate such activities in Nigeria’s coastal areas.

The head of NSCDC’s anti-vandalism unit in Akwa Ibom, Mr. Micheal Asibor, who received the suspects and exhibits, assured of diligent prosecution.