Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Marine Police have apprehended two individuals suspected of engaging in illegal oil bunkering activities in the Okposo waterway within Mbo Local Government Area.
The arrest occurred around 5:30 pm on August 2, 2025, after police intercepted a large wooden boat allegedly carrying stolen crude oil.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, authorities revealed that the operation was conducted based on credible intelligence. The Marine Police deployed two gunboats to the location where they sighted the suspicious vessel.
“The Akwa Ibom State Marine Police has successfully intercepted a large wooden boat and arrested two suspects for the unlawful possession of petroleum products and economic sabotage,” the statement read. “The operation took place on August 2, 2025, at approximately 0530 hours, in the Okposo waterway within the Mbo Local Government Area.”
John explained that the vessel, loaded with substances suspected to be stolen crude oil, was reportedly en route to the maritime border between Nigeria and Cameroon when intercepted.
“Acting on a credible intelligence, the Marine Police mobilised two gunboats to the location where a large wooden boat was sighted, laden with what is suspected to be stolen crude oil. The vessel was reportedly sailing towards the maritime border between Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon,” the statement continued.
Authorities credited their swift response for the successful arrest of the suspects and recovery of the boat. “The swift action of the Marine Police led to the apprehension of the two suspects and the recovery of the boat and its contents. The petroleum product is believed to have been stolen from the weir head of an oil pipeline,” the police spokesperson added.
Investigations into the incident are currently ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the illegal operation.