The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft, under the leadership of Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, has intercepted a vessel, Motor Tanker Sweet Miri, involved in suspected crude oil theft.
The vessel, owned and registered by a Ghanaian company manned by a crew of 13, including one Ghanaian and 12 Nigerians, was arrested approximately 174 nautical miles off the Nigerian coast, en route to the Benin Republic.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral M. B. Hassan, while addressing newsmen on the arrest, said the vessel had been a subject of interest to the Nigerian Navy.
He said: “It was observed on February 25, 2024, that the vessel switched off its Automatic Identification System to evade detection, prompting our intervention.
“The vessel was found carrying approximately 2 million litres of suspected crude oil without proper authorisation.
“Following the arrest, in line with the directive of Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, it was instructed that investigations extend beyond the vessel’s crew to uncover the masterminds behind such illicit activities.”
The FOC emphasised the collaborative effort between the Nigerian Navy and other agencies, allowing for independent investigations to determine the vessel’s culpability.
Hassan also revealed that the Motor Tanker Vinnalaris, which was previously apprehended, is undergoing similar investigations, with a directive to unveil the orchestrators of such operations.
He commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for their support in conducting thorough inquiries into cases of crude oil theft.
According to him, that the Sweet Miri is owned by a Ghanaian individual and registered under a Ghanaian company, raises concerns about transnational involvement in illegal oil activities.
He noted that the Nigerian Navy remains committed to combating maritime crimes and ensuring the security of Nigeria’s territorial waters, with a firm resolve to hold perpetrators of offences accountable.
