A successful joint operation conducted by the Nigerian Navy and the Cameroonian Navy resulted in the apprehension of a vessel suspected of transporting stolen crude oil. Commander Rotimi Oderemi of the Nigeria Navy Ship, NNS Victory, disclosed this during an inspection of the vessel, MV Jasmine, in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state on Saturday.
According to Mr. Oderemi, the interception followed credible intelligence and collaborative efforts with the Eastern Naval Command Centre. Upon spotting the vessel within Nigerian territorial waters, the Nigerian Navy deployed NNS Ekulu to intercept and question the crew. Despite the vessel attempting to evade capture by heading towards international waters between Nigeria and Cameroon, NNS Ekulu pursued and, with the assistance of the Cameroonian Navy, successfully intercepted the vessel.
Eight Nigerians were apprehended aboard the vessel, which was found to be carrying 30,000 litres of crude oil, valued at approximately N40 million in the international market. Commander Oderemi emphasized that this interception should serve as a deterrent to potential criminals operating in Nigerian waters, highlighting the Navy’s readiness to thwart illegal activities.
The captain of the intercepted vessel, Pere-Ebiye Abraham, confessed to ownership and admitted to engaging in illegal bunkering due to economic hardship. Abraham explained that his previous legitimate business of ferrying planks from Nembe Waterside in Rivers State became unviable, leading him to resort to illegal bunkering.
