A tanker identified as MT Marina was arrested due to suspected illegal bunkering activities by the Nigerian Navy personnel on April 28, according to the navy.
At the time of the arrest the vessel, which was loaded with 100 metric tons (MT) of illegal refined automotive gas oil, was conducting a routine patrol of the area off Nigerian Sombreiro River.
“It was however discovered that the vessel was processing approval for 200 MT as a cover up of her illegal activities,” the navy said.
The officials said that the vessel and crew will be handed over to relevant prosecuting agencies after an investigation into the incident is conducted.
The arrest follows a similar development as a naval patrol team arrested 13 persons suspected of being engaged in illegal oil bunkering, crude oil theft and piracy.
“While 12 suspects were picked up at Forcados River, one suspect was arrested after some sea pirates engaged the naval patrol team in a shootout at Ndolo community in Ekeremo Local Government Area of Bayelsa state,” the navy said.