Nigerian Navy Arrests Nine Suspected Oil Thieves in Akwa Ibom

On February 23, 2023, the Nigerian Navy, under the command of Commodore Moham Manga, arrested nine individuals suspected of engaging in illegal oil bunkering activities in Akwa Ibom State. The suspects were intercepted while attempting to siphon crude oil from an offshore platform located near the Asabo Oil Field.

The operation involved the Nigerian Navy ships, Bonni and Shiroro, which collaborated with sister units to apprehend the wooden boat used by the suspects. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in criminal acts that undermine Nigeria's economic stability and threaten maritime security, causing significant environmental degradation.

The suspects were arrested without incident, and tools used for illicit activities were confiscated in accordance with existing operational procedures. The Nigerian Navy has intensified its ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations to combat such activities.