Akwa Ibom Marine Police arrest two suspects, seize boat carrying stolen crude oil in Mbo.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to trace the source and uncover other accomplices involved.
The Akwa Ibom State Marine Police have apprehended two individuals suspected of engaging in illegal bunkering along the Okposo waterway in Mbo Local Government Area.
The arrest was made around 5:30 p.m. on August 2, 2025, after officers intercepted a large wooden boat believed to be carrying stolen crude oil.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, the operation was launched following credible intelligence. Two gunboats were deployed to the area, where officers spotted the vessel allegedly en route to the maritime border between Nigeria and Cameroon.
“The Akwa Ibom State Marine Police successfully intercepted a large wooden boat and arrested two suspects for unlawful possession of petroleum products and economic sabotage,” the statement read.
John said the petroleum product is suspected to have been siphoned from an oil pipeline’s wellhead. Both the vessel and its contents were seized as exhibits.
She confirmed that investigations were underway to determine the source of the stolen crude and identify other individuals who may be connected to the operation.
