The Nigerian Navy announced the apprehension of the 77-metre-long Motor Tanker Vinnalaris 1 Lagos, uncovering its involvement in illegal activities .
The navy has pointed fingers at personnel from Tantita Security Services, a private security company owned by ex-Niger Delta warlord Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, accusing them of complicity in the illicit operations.
The vessel, carrying 17 crew members, was seized during the act of illegally siphoning crude oil from one of the well heads at the EBESAN oil field, located approximately seven nautical miles off the coast of the Awoye riverine community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
A statement from the spokesperson of the Nigerian Navy, Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, revealed that the arrest was executed based on credible intelligence received by the base regarding the illegal activities of crude oil thieves in the area.
This prompted the rapid deployment of FOB Igbokoda personnel to enforce the arrest of the vessel and its crew.
As reported by Ships & Ports, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating illegal oil activities in the region, with a private security company allegedly tied to a former warlord implicated in the illicit operations.
The Nigerian Navy remains vigilant in its efforts to curb such activities and maintain security in the nation’s maritime domain.
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The statement reads: “Notably, as the anti-crude oil theft patrol team of FOB Igbokoda approached MT VINNALARIS 1 Lagos, the two boats attached to the vessel fled on sighting the naval personnel, which confirmed the engagement of the vessel in illegality.
“Accordingly, on arrival at the scene, it was discovered that the vessel was actively involved in siphoning crude oil from both sides of the wellhead.
Consequently, upon further search and interrogation, it was further discovered that the vessel had onboard 17 crew members of Nigerian nationality.
The vessel’s storage capacity is about 15,000 metric tonnes and as of the time of arrest, she had loaded about 500 metric tonnes of crude oil.
“Furthermore, it is believed that Tantita Security Service is involved in these illegalities because the Awoye riverine area, which is close to the place of arrest, is covered by TSS. Again, it was upon the arrest of the vessel by the Nigerian Navy that TSS began to raise false alarms, totally unfounded and indeed mischievous.
“Nonetheless, the Nigerian Navy remains resolute in the pursuit of her constitutional mandate for the protection of Nigeria’s maritime environment for national economic development and prosperity.”