Intercepted vessel: FG sets up probe panel, lauds Tantita’s efforts

The Federal Government has ordered a probe into the arrest of an illegal oil bunkering vessel, MT Kali, in the offshore location of the Anglo-Dutch energy giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Bayelsa State.

This was disclosed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, when he led a presidential delegation to inspect the thieving ship detained at Oporoza in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State on Monday.

The probe team, headed by the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Major-General Emmanuel Undiandeye, has the mandate to expose the saboteurs of the illicit business deal.

The 23 people, including the captain, engineer and chief officer arrested aboard the vessel, were also paraded before the delegation, with the CDS and CDI interrogating the principal suspects – Captain David Adeboye and Promise Eze.

General Musa, who lauded Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) for curbing crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region, craved for a synergy between government security agencies and private security outfits to stamp out the menace in the waterways.

Musa was flanked by high powered delegation from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), including Mallam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer; Mr Bala Wunti, Managing Director, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), among others.

It will be recalled that MT Kali was apprehended by the TSSNL, a private security outfit owned by former militant lord, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, otherwise known as Tompolo, in conjunction with operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Bayelsa State.

The ship, laden with 119 tonnes of suspected stolen crude oil, was later moved to Oporoza for anchorage while further investigation into the illicit act continues.

Besides the detained 23 suspects, one other suspect being trailed allegedly jumped into the sea during the interception.

The defence chief also warned those who indulged in oil theft to desist forthwith or face the wrath of the law.

He stressed that the Nigeria security forces will continue to collaborate with the private security agencies to curtail the illegalities.

“We are here as directed by the Commander-In-Chief, based on the report of the ship that was arrested.

“I think it is a major achievement. It shows that we are committed to ensuring that we stop this criminalities within the maritime environment.

“This is a collaborative effort and we will continue to collaborate with NNPCL and  the private security agencies.

“The main Federal Government agencies are also working together. I don’t want a situation where we create a seamless enmity between this group and that group.

“We are working for the same team. We are all Nigerians and this is our country. Whatever is happening here is an act of criminality that must be stopped by all Nigerians,” he said