The Flag Officer Commanding, FOC Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Mohammed Hassan, made a significant announcement on Saturday, confirming the arrest of 13 suspected crude oil thieves aboard Motor Tanker, MT Sweet Miri, off the coast of Nigerian waters. The vessel was found to be carrying almost two million liters of products suspected to be crude oil without any naval approval onboard.
Rear Adm. Hassan, who also serves as the Commander of Joint Taskforce Operation Awase, South West, emphasized the importance of conducting thorough investigations to ensure that the masterminds behind crude oil theft are brought to justice. The launch of Operation Delta Sanity by the Chief of Naval Staff, CNS Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has further motivated naval personnel to combat crude oil theft with increased determination.
The FOC recounted a recent incident where a dark ship was detected by radar approximately 174 Nautical Miles off the coast of Nigeria, heading towards the Republic of Benin. Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Aba was dispatched to investigate the vessel, followed by NNS Sokoto for further search and interdiction. MT Sweet Miri had been under the Nigerian Navy’s surveillance for some time and was apprehended on suspicion of crude oil theft.
The vessel was made available for other agencies to collect samples and conduct independent investigations to determine its involvement in the illicit activity. Rear Adm. Hassan highlighted the need to decommission abandoned well heads at sea, which serve as opportunities for thieves to exploit.
In a proactive approach to combat crude oil theft, the Navy, under the directives of the CNS, is committed to apprehending not only the crew but also the masterminds behind such illegal activities. The recent arrest of MT Vinnalaris 1 in Lagos, in December 2023, exemplifies the Navy’s dedication to ensuring justice is served in such cases.
Rear Adm. Hassan commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for their exceptional investigative work in handling matters related to crude oil theft. The collaborative efforts of various agencies underscore the collective commitment to eradicating this criminal activity and holding perpetrators accountable.
By cracking down on kingpins and accomplices involved in crude oil theft, the Nigerian Navy is sending a strong message that such illegal activities will not be tolerated. The ongoing efforts to combat this issue demonstrate a unified front in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime resources and upholding the rule of law.
