In a joint operation conducted by the Nigerian Navy and private security firm Tantita Security Services, a vessel carrying approximately 200,000 litres of stolen crude oil was intercepted off the coast of the Gbaramatu Kingdom area of Warri in Delta State.
The vessel, capable of carrying 350,000 litres of raw crude, was brought to the Oporoza area for investigation.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, accompanied by officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, inspected the vessel on Monday.
Musa stated that the Chief of Defence Intelligence would commence investigation immediately to unravel the criminals behind the act.
The sting operation led to the apprehension of 23 suspects onboard the intercepted vessel.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, expressed concern about the increasing levels of crude oil theft despite ongoing efforts to boost oil production and enhance government revenue.
Kyari, while declining on-camera comments, emphasized the need for stringent measures to curb such illicit activities.
The vessel, a focal point in the investigation, will undergo scrutiny to identify those responsible for the theft. The authorities are determined to address the issue of crude oil theft, which poses a significant challenge to the country’s economic interests.
