Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-03-02 22:24:21
The Flag Officer Commanding, FOC Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Mohammed Hassan, recently confirmed the arrest of 13 suspected crude oil thieves on board Motor Tanker, MT Sweet Miri, off the coast of Nigerian waters. The vessel was found to be carrying almost two million liters of products believed 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, stated that thorough investigations would be conducted to ensure that the masterminds behind the crude oil theft were apprehended and held accountable.
The Commander highlighted the significance of Operation Delta Sanity initiated by the Chief of Naval Staff, CNS Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, in boosting the efforts of naval personnel in combating crude oil theft. A dark ship was detected on Feb. 15, nearly 174 Nautical Miles off the Nigerian coast, heading towards the Republic of Benin. Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Aba was dispatched to investigate the vessel, and subsequent interdiction efforts were doubled with the dispatch of NNS Sokoto.
MT Sweet Miri had been under surveillance by the Nigerian Navy for some time, and Rear Adm. Hassan emphasized the vessel’s arrest for suspected involvement in crude oil theft. Other law enforcement agencies were invited to collect samples from the vessel for independent investigations to determine its culpability. Rear Adm. Hassan expressed the Navy’s commitment to intensifying efforts to combat crude oil theft, emphasizing the need to decommission abandoned wellheads at sea that serve as opportunities for thieves.
The Navy’s dedication to clamping down on the masterminds of crude oil theft was underscored by the arrest of MT Vinnalaris 1 Lagos in Ondo State in December 2023. Rear Adm. Hassan emphasized the directive from the CNS to ensure that all arrests were thoroughly investigated and justice was served. The Navy’s pursuit of justice extended beyond the crew members involved in the theft to include the managerial level of the company that operated the ship.
Acknowledging the support of the Department of State Services (DSS) as a crucial partner in conducting thorough investigations, Rear Adm. Hassan commended the agency for its role in handling investigations related to criminal activities. The collaborative efforts between the Navy and other law enforcement agencies underscored the commitment to combatting illicit activities in Nigerian waters and bringing perpetrators to justice.
In conclusion, the Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Rear Adm. Mohammed Hassan and the Chief of Naval Staff, remains steadfast in its mission to combat crude oil theft and hold accountable those engaged in illegal activities at sea. The recent arrests of suspected crude oil thieves and ongoing investigations exemplify the Navy’s determination to maintain maritime security and uphold the rule of law in Nigerian waters.
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
