The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (NNFOB) Bonny has successfully arrested suspected illegal bunkerers and confiscated a wooden boat laden with products suspected to be illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO) in Oputumbi Community, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

According to Lt. Cdr Siraj Almustapha, Base Operations Officer of NNFOB Bonny, the arrest was made after a thorough operation. The suspected illegal bunkerers were found with a significant quantity of AGO, highlighting the ongoing challenges of oil theft in the region.

“The wooden boat was coming from Kaa Community en route to Ajegunle Community.

“At the time of interception, the boat was laden with an unspecified number of sachet water bags. Further inspection by own personnel revealed 20 big nylon bags filled with products suspected to be illegally refined AGO, estimated to be about 600 liters, carefully concealed under the sachet water bags.”

“Accordingly, the suspects were arrested while the boat, as well as the suspected illegally refined products, were confiscated. Same were handed over to the NSCDC for further investigation and prosecution.”

He stated that the Forward Operating Base Bonny has continued to carry out operational activities such as routine patrols, anti-Crude Oil Theft (COT), anti-illegal bunkering, and anti-kidnapping operations focused on the protection of critical national infrastructure and securing the commercial routes within its Area of Operation.

Divisional Officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Bonny LGA, Mamah Sunday, received the arrested suspects and confiscated items handed over by the NN FOB Base Operations Officer, Lt Cdr Siraj Almustapha.

The Base Operations Officer informed that the FOB Bonny has activated measures to dislocate criminal elements in the area and incapacitate them from carrying out further illegalities.

On Friday, 28 March 2025, FOB BONNY Anti-Kidnapping Team rescued 15 passengers in a Market Boat that were kidnapped and forced into a creek by unknown armed men suspected to be kidnappers around Opuadakiri Community.

the guardian