BY PHILIP NWOSU
The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, operating under Operation Delta Sanity, has intercepted a vessel named Motor Tanker SWEET MIRI, believed to be involved in crude oil theft.
The vessel, apprehended on Saturday evening, was reported to have a crew of 13 individuals, consisting of one Ghanaian and 12 Nigerians.
Addressing journalists aboard the vessel, Rear Admiral MB Hassan, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, disclosed that the vessel had been under the Nigerian Navy’s radar as a vessel of interest.
According to Rear Admiral Hassan, “On February 25, 2024, the vessel was observed to have disabled its Automatic Identification System to evade detection. It was apprehended 174 nautical miles off the coast of Nigeria, approximately 320 kilometers, while heading towards Benin Republic.”
“The Nigerian Navy Ship ABA was subsequently deployed to investigate the vessel. Upon inspection, it was found to be carrying products suspected to be crude oil. Consequently, NNS SOKOTO was dispatched to further search and intercept the vessel. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the vessel was transporting about 2 million liters of suspected product without approval,” he added.
In line with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Rear Admiral Hassan stated that the vessel is now open for other agencies to conduct independent investigations and gather samples to determine its culpability.
Furthermore, it was revealed that the vessel is owned by a Ghanaian and registered in Ghana under a Ghanaian company.
Regarding the previously apprehended Motor Tanker VINNALARIS, Rear Admiral Hassan announced that investigations are being expanded beyond the crew level to uncover the masterminds behind such illicit activities.
He concluded by expressing appreciation for the support of the Department of State Services (DSS) in aiding the Nigerian Navy’s investigations into crude oil theft cases.
The statement was released by Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, the Base Information Officer.