A Magistrate’s Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has remanded two suspected crude oil thieves at the Uyo Custodial Centre following their arraignment by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The suspects, identified as 41-year-old Noah Yomi and 42-year-old Ojo Igbala Abiodun, were allegedly arrested while siphoning crude oil from the Seplat Utue B Oilfield platform into a wooden boat loaded with 17 Gee-Pee tanks.
The court ordered that the suspects remain in custody until September 24, 2026, when the matter is expected to proceed before the Federal High Court in Uyo.
The suspects were arrested on August 25, 2026, during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Gongola, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka.
According to reports, the wooden boat was intercepted while the suspects were allegedly siphoning crude oil from the Seplat platform. Five other members of the crew reportedly escaped by diving into the ocean, prompting a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
Security operatives recovered five outboard engines, three pumping machines and three large hoses allegedly used in the operation.
The wooden boat was also laden with an unascertained quantity of crude oil at the time of the arrest.
The DSS said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, particularly in Akwa Ibom State.
The latest development comes amid intensified security operations against crude oil theft in the state.
