Oil theft: Reps to probe security agencies over destruction of seized vessel

The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to probe the destruction of a vessel laden with stolen crude and what happened to the 150,000 barrels of crude in the vessel.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi at the Plenary Session.

While adopting the motion, the House urged security agencies in the country to desist from further setting ablaze vessels laden with stolen crude oil when seized with a view to curbing environmental pollution in the Niger Delta Region.

Moving the motion, Hon. Ereyitomi recall the recent reports of interception, arrest and subsequent destruction of vessels laden with stolen crude oil in the Niger Delta region, the most recent being MT TURA II on Friday 7th July, 2023 in the escravos river in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State.

He stated that the vessel, MT TURA, an 800,000 tonne capacity vessel was at the time of arrest and destruction carrying about 150,000 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil.

According to him, the said vessel was set ablaze by a joint team of Nigeria security forces and representatives of the NNPC Ltd. on 11h July, 2023.

He also recalled that in October 2022, a vessel named MT DEIMA which was laden with 1,500 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil, was also arrested and set ablaze in the Warri escravos river, saying that setting ablaze stolen crude oil laden vessels will further destroy the well-endowed ecosystem of the Niger Delta region already ravaged by oil exploration.

Hon Ereyitomi pointed out that if allowed to continue, this act would further affect the livelihood and the overall wellbeing of the Niger Delta people who have fishing as their main occupation

He however, expressed delight about the determination of the Federal Government to curb oil spillage in the Niger Delta region and make the living condition of the people better.

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