Oil Theft: NNPC, Tompolo Destroy Vessel Carrying Stolen Crude Oil From Nigeria to Cameroun
- The NNPCL with its partners intercepted a suspicious vessel carrying 800,000 litres of stolen crude oil
- The vessel was on its way to Cameroun with cargo on board when it was arrested and impounded
- A conclusion was reached to destroy the vessel as a strong warning and deterrence to others engaging in such act
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The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited has intercepted a vessel conveying 800,000 litres with the aid of Tantita Security Services, a private security contractor run by Mr Government Ekpemupolo AKA Tompolo.
This follows a previous arrest by the same team that saw the arrest and setting ablaze of an oil bunkering vessel intercepted with stolen crude oil in Escravos area of Delta State.
A press release signed by its chief corporate communications officer, Garba Deen Muhammad revealed that the vessel, MT TURA is owned by Nigerian Registered Company, Holab Maritime Services Limited, with Registration Number RC813311.
Source: UGC
The vessel was heading to Cameroun with the Cargo on board when it was apprehended at an offshore location with the Captain and Crew members on board.
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The crude oil cargo onboard was illegally sourced from a well jacket offshore in Ondo State, Nigeria.
Preliminary investigation by the NNPCL shows that there was no valid documentation for the Vessel or the Crude Oil Cargo onboard at the time of the arrest.
NNPCL confirms arrests and destruction of vessel
According to an inquiry of the vessel's actions at the NNPC Ltd. Command and Control Center, the vessel has been operating in stealth mode for the past twelve (12) years. It’s last known location was Tin Can Port in July 2011.
The statement further highlighted that once details of this arrest and the findings of the investigations were elevated to the proper Government authorities, a conclusion was reached to destroy the vessel as a strong warning and deterrence to all those engaging in such criminal acts to halt and desist.
As a powerful deterrence, NNPCL stated that it is crucial to destroy any vessels used to transport stolen crude oil.
It added that the unlawful trade in stolen crude oil causes Nigeria and other legitimate oil industry participants to suffer severe financial losses, and also feeds a vicious cycle of corruption, environmental destruction, and social unrest.
It also assures Nigerians that there will be sustained momentum in the war against crude oil theft until it is brought to a halt
Nigeria lost N10 billion to crude oil theft in seven months
In another news, Legit.ng reported that Nigeria lost $10 billion to crude oil theft in seven months.
Mele Kyari, the Chief Executive Officer of NNPC expressed worry over the spate of crude oil theft in the country which undermines Nigeria’s productivity.
He blamed sector of the Nigerian system for stealing millions of barrels oof crude oil as fuel and other petroleum products were found in churches and mosques.
Source: Legit.ng
