Navy arrests Cameroonians, Nigerians for oil theft

Suspected oil thieves
| credits: Etim Ekpimah

The Nigerian Navy has arrested four Cameroonians and three Nigerians for allegedly transporting drums of fuel illegally across Nigeria’s border.

It was learnt that the seven suspects were nabbed by naval operatives, disguised as tradesmen who dealt in consumer goods.

The Commander of NNS Jubilee, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, Commodore Isaac Ogbole, said on Saturday that the suspects were apprehended on December 31, 2013.

According to Ogbole, the suspects are Elias Mume; Lappa Bamileke; Fabian Lemonmu, and Meluis Amah – all Cameroonians, while Emeka Igbokwe, Michael John and Egbe James are Nigerians.

Ogbole explained that the suspects were arrested at the Agbani area, near Bakassi Local Government Area, the border between Nigeria and Cameroon.

He added that the suspected oil thieves were intercepted through intelligence report when they were travelling from Ibaka, Mbo LGA, of Akwa Ibom State to Cameroon in a boat.

The commander said the suspects were caught with 134 drums containing 250 litres of petrol each, and concealed under consumer goods.

He said other items recovered from the suspects were two Yamaha outboard engines and two pumping machines.

He said, “This is illegal bunkering considering the quantity of PMS involved, they don’t have permit to carry this quantity of products.

“From all indications, these men were not only carrying petroleum products. They could have equally smuggled arms and ammunition into the country.

“They have made useful statement to my men that their master was somewhere in Cameroon. From what we found out, they are perpetual smugglers who come in and out of the country.”

The Commander handed over the seven suspects to the Akwa Ibom Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr. Pedro Ideba, for proper investigation and prosecution.

Ideba, who received the suspects, assured Nigerians that the command would investigate the matter thoroughly. He said their investigation would also determine proper arraignment of those involved in the oil theft.

He stated that the command was determined to stop oil theft in the country, describing it as economic sabotage.

He said, “There is zero tolerance for oil theft and pipeline vandalism in our country. People come into our country and steal our crude oil to other countries and also adulterate it and re-sell to our people. This act must stop.”