Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS, BEECROFT have arrested a wooden boat laden with suspected stolen Premium Motor Spirit, PMS.
The boat which was arrested around 1am on February 8, at Akaraba Island in Atlas Cove, was paraded before reporters Wednesday by Commander NNS BEECROFT, Okon Eyo.
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Mr Eyo. A rear-admiral, who was represented by the base’s Executive Officer Captain Paul Dogara, said the boat had 1,400 25 litres kegs laden with suspected stolen PMS as well as 27 empty drums and a 5×75HP outboard engine.
“The estimated suspected stolen PMS is 35,000 litres valued at about N5.75million while the Cotonou boat and the outboard engines are valued at about N15million. The total sum of the arrested boat with its contents is N20.75million.
“It is to be noted that the Atlas Cove is central to reception and distribution of refined petroleum products to other NNPC depots at Mosimi, Ore, Ibadan and Sagamu areas. Consequently, the facility has become very attractive to vandals, petroleum thieves and pirates among others.
“The latest arrest by the base represents a major achievement of our constitutional mandate and a setback to the logistics requirements of the criminals.
“The base will continue to dominate the nation’s waterways in order to prevent the theft of our common wealth,” he said.
