Oil theft: How security operatives set ablaze impounded vessel in Delta

The TANITA Security Services Limited, in collaboration with the Joint Task Force (JTF), has set ablaze MT TURA 11 vessel in Delta.

Recall that the 500 metric tonnes capacity vessel was laden with 150,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil.

The thieving vessel was set ablaze with the side of a helicopter by the private security outfit and the JTF on Tuesday at Bennett Island, Warri South-West Local Government Area.

The JTF comprised the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and the  Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Addressing newsmen, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Technical and Operations of TANTITA, said that the decision would serve as a deterrent to oil thieves, sponsors and their international partners.

He warned investors who indulge in the illicit business of oil theft to desist or prepare to lose their assets in like manner.

Enisuoh noted that the private security outfit, in collaboration with the Nigeria security agencies, would make the perpetrators uncomfortable with the illegal trade.

“The vessel was seized on July 7, 2023 at Escravos River, off Ondo State.

“The whole ideas of destroying the vessel is to send message to investors in the waterways who indulged in oil theft to be prepared to lose their assets.

“It is not going to be business as usual. It doesn’t ends here, government is doing everything possible to ensure this illegality is stopped,”he said.

It will recall that the impounded vessel was manufactured in 1965 and had 12 crew members on board.

Also, the vessel and the crew were presented on Monday before the officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited at Oporoza in Warri South-West Local Government Area.

The officials of the Operation DELTA SAFE led by its Commandant, Vice Adm. Eugenio Ferreira, was also on ground on Monday to observe the impounded vessel.

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