Nigerian security operatives from the Tanita Security Services intercepted a vessel suspected of carrying stolen crude oil in the Koko area of Delta State.
The vessel, MT Praisel, was reportedly carrying approximately 8,100 barrels of crude oil and flying a Togolese flag. It was being escorted by a Navy boat led by a senior naval commander at the time of the interception.
The Tanita Security outfit, owned by Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, a former Niger Delta agitator, was awarded a contract by the Federal Government to protect oil pipelines.
Wonders shall never end.
A Nigerian Navy boat escorting a vessel loaded with crude oil suspected to be stolen in Delta State, was intercepted by a private security company, Tantita Security Services Limited.
The navy boat led by a commander, had pulled up resistance and…
— Abubakar Sidiq Usman (@MrAbuSidiq) August 4, 2023
When the Tanita operatives attempted to inspect the vessel, they faced resistance from the naval officers on board, and the naval commander allegedly threatened them.
Despite the confrontation, the private operatives persevered.
Following the incident, the Tanita Security operatives sought authorization from the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who allowed them to inspect the vessel.
During the inspection, it was discovered that the vessel had naval authorization to carry products, but it lacked the necessary approvals from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for the specific voyage.
This interception comes amidst concerns raised by the Federal Government about the detrimental impact of the illegal trade of stolen crude oil on Nigeria’s economy.
The government estimates that such illicit activities result in economic losses of up to N2.3 trillion annually, accounting for as much as 25% of the nation’s crude oil production.
The removal of petrol subsidies has also triggered nationwide demonstrations by workers’ unions.
In a separate development, ex-Niger Delta agitator Asari Dokubo recently met with President Bola Tinubu and informed journalists that corrupt military officers are involved in the illicit stealing of Nigeria’s crude oil.
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