Security agencies in the country have been asked to stop burning vessels with stolen crude oil.
The House of Representatives gave the directive on Tuesday.
OsunDailyNG reports that the request of the lawmakers comes a few days after security operatives of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, in collaboration with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, set ablaze an intercepted vessel carrying barrels of stolen crude oil in the Escravos area of Delta State.
The vessel, allegedly owned by a Nigerian registered company and headed to Cameroon with its stolen content, was set ablaze by a military helicopter following the arrest of the captain and other crew members on board.
However, the house, following a resolution by the member representing Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, Uduak Odudoh, condemned the act while pledging to investigate circumstances surrounding the burning of the vessel.
The House recalled that in October 2022, a vessel named MT Deima, laden with 1500 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil, was also arrested and set ablaze in the Warri Escravos River.
The lawmakers, therefore, expressed concerns about the trend if it continued.
They said it could threaten the livelihood and the overall well-being of the Niger Delta people who had fishing as their primary occupation.
