Nigerian security forces, in collaboration with Tanita Security Services, have intercepted yet another vessel suspected of transporting stolen crude oil in the Delta region. The vessel was apprehended in the Koko area of Delta State. This occurrence comes less than a month after the seizure of a suspicious ship carrying 800,000 liters of pilfered crude oil.
The interception took place on a Wednesday, with a 1,117-ton vessel named MT Praisel carrying approximately 8,100 barrels of crude oil. It was being escorted by naval officers during the operation. Tanita Security, a private security firm owned by Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, a former Niger Delta agitator who recently secured a government contract to safeguard oil pipelines, carried out the interception.
Reportedly, the vessel displayed a Togolese flag and was accompanied by a Navy boat under the command of a senior naval officer. The Tanita operatives encountered resistance from the naval escort, including threats from the commanding officer. Despite the challenges, the private security team stood their ground.
Ultimately, they engaged with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, both of whom granted permission for the vessel’s inspection. Upon investigation, Tanita Security revealed that the ship had received authorization from the navy to transport products, but lacked approvals from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for the specific voyage in question. The NMDPRA oversees regulations for midstream and downstream petroleum operations in Nigeria.
This incident follows the government’s recent outcry about the detrimental impact of the illegal trade in stolen crude oil on Nigeria’s economy, resulting in estimated losses of N2.3 trillion over a year. Experts suggest that this loss could affect up to a quarter of the nation’s crude oil production. The removal of the petrol subsidy has also led to widespread protests by labor unions.
Notably, Asari Dokubo, another ex-Niger Delta agitator, recently alleged that certain corrupt military personnel are involved in the theft of Nigeria’s crude oil. He made these claims after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House.
