The Nigerian Navy has seized two Cotonou boats laden with 19,200 litres of illegally refined diesel in Akwa Ibom.

The Nigerian Navy Ship Commander, Commodore Saidu Garba on Wednesday said the seizure was made based on information provided by youth in Ataba community.

He said naval officers also arrested four persons suspected to be involved in bunkering.

Garba said patrol team of the Naval Outpost also arrested 3 suspected pirates in a raid on the Ikuru creek.

“The arrest took place after the three sea robbers had robbed four women in the creeks who were just returning from their daily trading activities by boat. The robbers collected money and mobile phones from the victims.

“In another development, a combined patrol team of NNS Jubilee and NOP Ikuru arrested four hoodlums involved in illegal oil bunkering. Two wooden Cotonou boats laden with 75 by 250 litres drums and nine by 50 litres jerry cans of product suspected to be illegally refined Automative Gas Oil, were also seized by the Navy.

“These hoodlums and criminals have been thoroughly investigated, or profiled: they would be handed over to the Nigeria Police for prosecution,” he said.

Azeez