The Central Naval Command (CNC) of the Nigerian Navy in Bayelsa State has impounded two vessels for allegedly carrying 2.111 million litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
The value of the “stolen” oil was estimated at N2.4 billion.
Twenty-one suspects were said to have been arrested during the interception of the vessels.
It was learnt that both vessels were intercepted in the waterways of Agbami Oil Field and Obi Creeks in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
The CNC confirmed the interception and arrest yesterday in a statement by the Flag Officer Commanding, CNC, Rear Admiral Hassan Usman.
The statement said the vessels were intercepted at separate points.
Usman explained that one of the vessels, MT Eli Tank, could not produce the necessary permit for lifting the crude oil.
The Flag Officer said the suspected oil thieves are Nigerians.
He said: “They (suspects) were unable to tender relevant documents, such as Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) bunkering permit and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) nomination for crude oil lifting.
“And they lack the certificate of registration with the Joint Military Task (JTF) and did not have the approval for the movement of petroleum products within the command area of responsibility.”
The Flag Officer vowed to sustain the surveillance of the waterways and creeks in the Niger Delta region.
Usman added: “It underscores the determination of the Nigerian Navy and the Central Naval Command in particular, to completely eradicate oil theft, illegal bunkering and other illegality on Nigeria’s waters.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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