By Abimbola Ogunnaike
Security Operatives of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, in collaboration with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited on Tuesday, 11 July, 2023 have set ablaze an intercepted massive vessel carrying barrels of stolen crude oil in the Escravos area of Delta State.
The vessel, allegedly owned by a Nigerian registered company, was heading to Cameroon with the cargo onboard when it was apprehended at an offshore location with the captain and crew members onboard.
According to the Executive Director of Operations and Technical at Tantita Security, Captain Warred Enisuoh and the Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, the oil cargo was illegally sourced from a well-jacket offshore in Ondo State with no valid documentation at the time of the arrest.
They said the vessel had operated in stealth mode in the last 12 years.
The discovery was the latest in the series of disturbing findings by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a security outfit owned by former militant leader Government Ekpemepulo aka Tompolo and contracted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
Recall in October 2022, security agents also destroyed a vessel used for crude oil theft off the Niger Delta creeks after the vessel was reportedly arrested by Tompolo’s company.
The destruction of the vessel generated a controversy as some Nigerians fumed at the action of security agents, saying the vessel should have been preserved as exhibit to prosecute the owners of the vessel.
The House of Representatives subsequently said it would investigate the circumstances surrounding the destruction of the oil bunkering vessel by security agents.
However, the Federal Government defended swift destruction of the vessel, saying it was in line with the rules of engagement.
The then Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, said the vessel was caught in the act and security agents subsequently set the “instrument of operation” ablaze, noting that no investigation is needed to carry out the action.
