NAVY ARRESTS NINE SUSPECTED OIL THIEVES IN AKWA IBOM, HANDS OVER TO EFCC
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Nigerian Navy has arrested nine suspected oil thieves allegedly involved in illegal bunkering activities in Akwa Ibom State.
The Commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore Mohammed Manga, disclosed this on Wednesday while handing over the suspects and recovered exhibits to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area.
Manga said the suspects were apprehended on February 23, 2026, by operatives of NNS Jubilee in collaboration with sister units, including Nigerian Navy Ship BONNY and Nigerian Navy Ship SHIRORO, while attempting to siphon crude oil from an offshore platform in the Asabo oil field. A wooden boat used for the operation was also recovered.
“On Monday, February 23, 2026, NNS Jubilee, in collaboration with sister units, apprehended a wooden boat at an oil platform offshore Asabo and handed it over to Forward Operating Base Ibaka,” Manga said.
“The boat and its nine-man crew were intercepted while attempting to illegally siphon crude oil. The suspects were arrested without incident, and the boat and tools used were confiscated in line with regulations and operational procedures.”
According to the naval commander, preliminary investigations confirmed that the suspects were engaged in illegal bunkering — an activity he said undermines Nigeria’s economic stability, threatens maritime security, and contributes to environmental degradation.
He noted that NNS Jubilee has intensified anti-illegal bunkering operations through sustained maritime patrols, intelligence-driven surveillance, and collaboration with other security agencies.
“These patrols protect critical national assets, safeguard offshore and coastal infrastructure, and secure commercial maritime routes within our operational environment,” he added.
Receiving the suspects on behalf of the EFCC, Mr. Taiwo Adetona assured that the Commission would conduct a thorough investigation to identify other individuals connected to the alleged economic crime beyond the nine suspects already in custody.
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