Breaking News: Nigerian Navy Apprehends Vessel For Alleged Crude Oil Theft

The Nigerian Navy, through its Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda, Ondo State, has apprehended the Motor Tanker (MT) VINNALARIS 1 LAGOS, a 77-meter-long vessel, for allegedly engaging in the illegal siphoning of crude oil within the country’s oil facility in the Niger Delta.

The vessel, along with its 17 crew members, was reportedly caught in the act of siphoning crude oil from a wellhead at the EBESAN oil field, approximately 7 nautical miles off the coast of Awoye riverine community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. The arrest was made based on credible intelligence received by the Navy regarding illegal activities of crude oil thieves in the area.

According to Navy Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, the spokesman for the force, the anti-Crude Oil Theft Patrol Team of FOB Igbokoda approached MT VINNALARIS 1 LAGOS, and upon sighting the naval personnel, two boats attached to the vessel fled, confirming the engagement of the vessel in illegal activities. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the vessel was actively siphoning crude oil from both sides of the wellhead, and it had loaded about 500 metric tonnes of crude oil out of its 15,000 metric tonnes storage capacity.

The Nigerian Navy emphasized its commitment to curbing crude oil theft and illegalities in the country’s maritime domain. The statement warned criminals and their collaborators that the Navy would use all legitimate means to track and apprehend perpetrators of illegal activities in Nigeria’s maritime environment. The public was urged to report any criminal activities, especially in coastal communities, to the Nigerian Navy for necessary action.

The statement also raised suspicions of the involvement of Tantita Security Service (TSS) in the illegal activities, given that the Awoye riverine area, close to the place of arrest, is covered by TSS. The Nigerian Navy dismissed false alarms raised by TSS upon the vessel’s arrest and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment for national economic development and prosperity.

Source: Bushradiogist