The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has arrested three suspects over illegal bunkering of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) popularly called diesel worth N23 million.
The Commanding Officer of FOB, Captain Yusuf Idris, yesterday in Ibaka, while handing over the suspects to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), said 406 drums of illegally refined AGO, five outboard engines, four pumping machines and a boat used to carry the products were seized from the suspects.
He said, “I will like to hand over three suspects arrested by our men and patrol team on Wednesday, March 6, at about 8pm. They were caught in a boat with products suspected to be illegally refined AGO with about 406 drums in it. Other items in the boat include five outboard engines and four pumping machines.”
One of the suspects, Wisdom Effiong, who claimed it was his first time in illegal bunkering, said he brought in the products from Rivers State.
“I don’t know that the products are contraband because this is my first time to join this business. I agreed to do this trade because since November 2017 when I lost my motorcycle at gunpoint to thieves, I have not been working. I was a motorcycle rider, and I have family responsibilities. One Mr. Antai sent me to bring in the products from Rivers State.”
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