The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda, Ondo State, announced the apprehension of 17 individuals in the early hours of Thursday, December 7, 2023, aboard the 77-meter-long Motor Tanker (MT) VINNALARIS 1 LAGOS.
The vessel, carrying 17 crew members at the time of apprehension, was reportedly caught in the act of illegally siphoning crude oil from a wellhead in the EBESAN oil field. This incident occurred approximately 7 nautical miles off the coast of the Awoye riverine community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The Navy placed blame on Tantita Security Service (TSS), dismissing the raised alarm by TSS as unfounded. In a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, it was disclosed that the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Igbokoda had detected the vessel on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, around 10:00 pm, before effecting its arrest hours later.
He said, “furthermore, it is believed that Tantita Security Service (TSS) is involved in these illegalities because 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 alarm, totally unfounded and indeed mischievous.”
Nevertheless, the Nigerian Navy remains steadfast in fulfilling its constitutional duty to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime environment for national economic development and prosperity.
The apprehension of the vessel, according to the Navy spokesperson, was prompted by credible intelligence received by the Base regarding illegal activities of crude oil thieves at the location. This led to the deployment of FOB Igbokoda personnel to effect the arrest of the vessel and its crew.
He further explained that as the Anti-Crude Oil Theft Patrol Team of FOB Igbokoda approached MT VINNALARIS 1 LAGOS, the two boats attached to the vessel hastily fled upon sighting the naval personnel, thereby confirming the vessel’s involvement in illicit activities.
The statement read : ” Accordingly, on arrival at the scene, it was discovered that the vessel was actively involved in siphoning crude oil from both sides of the well head. 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 at the time of arrest she had loaded about 500 Metric tonnes of crude oil.”
“The arrest of MT VINNALARIS 1 LAGOS attests to the Nigerian Navy’s determination to curb crude oil theft and all manners of illegalities in Nigeria’s maritime domain. All criminals and their cohorts are hereby warned that the Nigerian Navy will use all legitimate means at its disposal to track and arrest perpetrators of illegalities in.
Nigeria’s maritime environment. While individuals carrying out legitimate business are advised to go about their legitimate activities, the Navy solicits the cooperation of patriotic and well – meaning members of the public to promptly report any form of criminalities especially in the coastal communities to the Nigerian Navy for necessary action.”
Meanwhile, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL),has denied allegation by the Nigerian Navy that the firm was allegedly involved in oil theft and pipelines vandalism in the Niger Delta Region. The TSSL has been contracted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to secure pipelines and curb oil theft in the Niger Delta Region.
According to the Executive Director – Operations and Technical of TSSNL, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, “the allegation against the company by the Navy is not only libelous but bizarre and false”.
Enisuoh however said that TSSNL would not join issues with the Navy publicly as it has already forwarded video evidence of what transpired between the Tantita operatives and the Nigerian Navy at the scene of arrest of the vessel to “highest authorities”.
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to a defamatory and libelous statement made by the Nigerian Navy against our organisation, Tantita Security Services Limited. “In the statement made on Thursday the 7th of December, 2023 by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, he informed the general public that the Nigerian Navy had detected and arrested a 77 meter long motor tanker for crude oil theft with her 17 crew members.”
“He further added and we quote: ‘It is believed that Tantita Security Services is involved in these illegalities because 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 alarm, totally unfounded and indeed mischievous.’’
“We are indeed saddened and disappointed that the Nigerian Navy could descend so low as to make such bizarre accusations against our organisation knowing same to be false. “Perhaps, they are not aware that video evidence of what transpired between the Tantita operatives and the Nigerian Navy at the scene exists and has been transmitted to the highest authorities. “We will therefore not join issues with the Nigerian Navy as we are well aware that Nigerians know who is who.”