The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, says it has arrested two suspected oil thieves carrying 3,500 litres of petrol in a wooden boat en route Cameroon.

The Commanding Officer, Capt. Uche Aneke, disclosed this while handing over the suspects and items to Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Ibaka on Tuesday.

He said that the suspects were arrested along the waterways at about 11.15am on May 18.

Aneke said that the navy base received intelligence report of suspected smuggling activity within her area of operation.

"Consequently, our gunboats on routine patrol were vectored to intercept and arrest the two suspected smugglers.

"They were arrested with a wooden boat that contained 3,500 litres of petrol concealed under goods and covered with tarpaulin.

"Intelligence report indicated that the boat was conveying products suspected to have been smuggled from Grey Creek near Effiat Community and headed towards Cameroon," he said.

He said that the navy, under the watch of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral, Emmanuel Ogalla, remained committed to tackling all manner of maritime crime in the state.

Aneke warned individual or groups planning to indulge in smuggling and other forms of waterway crime to desist or be made to face the wrath of the law.

The commanding officer stated that criminal elements in FOB Ibaka area of operations under the Eastern Naval Command Area of Responsibility, would continue to be detected using advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence.

Receiving the suspects and items, Mr Micheal Asibor, Corps Superintendent and Head of Anti Vandal Unit, NSCDC, said that further investigation would be conducted on the matter.