Tantita Security Services Limited has arrested a vessel registered in Moldova but operated by an all-Nigerian crew, with 88,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
According to Tantita’s Executive Director, Technical and Operations, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, the ship and 12 crew were arrested at Seigana Oil Fields in Bayelsa State and were still illegally loading crude oil from a platform when it was apprehended.
He said: “You will recall that a couple of weeks ago, we were here together and the Chief of Defence Staff gave very strict instructions on dealing with the scourge of crude oil theft.
“The vessel you’re seeing was arrested as a result of the coordination between the security agencies and Tantita Security Services Limited within the confines of the law.
“This vessel, Harbor Spirit, has been on the surveillance of security agencies for some time. It’s not a Nigerian-registered ship. It’s a Moldovan ship, however, the crew members are Nigerians.”
Head of the police investigation special task force on petroleum and illegal bunkering, Sini John, disclosed that the investigation had begun and that their findings would be made public through the office of the Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force.
