Nigerian Navy arrests vessels with stolen petroleum

Nigerian Navy has arrested two vessels, MT Platform and MV Caribbean Crest alongside a crew of 22 suspected oil thieves.

According to the Nigerian Navy, the vessels and the crew were on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible prosecution by the Nigerian Navy.

The vessels were intercepted with an unspecified quantity of stolen Petroleum Product suspected to be automotive gas oil (AGO).

Commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Bonny, Rivers State, Lieutenant Commander MG Munza, disclosed this.

Munza stated that the vessel, MV Caribbean Crest and her crew members were arrested on the 15th of February, 2022 at the Bonny Fairway Buoy with an unspecified quantity of stolen Petroleum Product suspected to be automotive gas oil (AGO),

MT Platform was intercepted on the 8th of June, 2022 in the vicinity of the Bonny Anchorage for illegal dealing in petroleum products without license.

According to him, they neither have any authority or certificate from the appropriate authority to ply the Nigerian waters.

The crew include Emberru Michael, Inengibo Ebiegberi, Audu Michael, Gaius Ajakaiye, Igbomgbo Edward, Ndubisi Collins, James Eyak, Ezebri Ayakpo, Okokon Joseph and Wali Michael.

Others are Adediran Ayo, Kelvin White Ohre, Martins-Biyi Shola, Ekundayo Ajayi, Olowu Olusegun, Etim Samson, Michael John, Kelechi Nwafor, Popoola Felix, Ishola Adetunji, Omachekeji Sunny and Onuh Solomon.

While receiving the vessel and her crew on behalf of the EFCC, Deputy Superintendent of the Commission, DSE Arasah Shaka, of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command, appreciated the Navy for their efforts toward safeguarding the nation’s territorial waters.

He commended the Navy for its collaboration in fighting economic crimes.