Operatives of TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES LIMITED, in collaboration with various security agencies in Nigeria, have apprehended a vessel carrying approximately eighty-eight thousand liters of stolen crude oil.
The vessel, named Harbor Spirit, was intercepted along with twelve crew members, including three individuals from the Sanga community in Bayelsa State.
The arrest took place around 1 am on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the Tantita facility in Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The vessel, identified by its IMO No: 8226272, is currently anchored at the Tantita facility.
The arrest follows closely on the heels of the recent apprehension of the MT Karli in Bayelsa State.
Captain Warriedi Enisuoh, the Executive Director of TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES LIMITED, told newsmen that the vessel was under scrutiny by law enforcement agencies.
He clarified that the vessel is not registered in Nigeria but is instead a Mondova Ship.
Enisuoh revealed that the Inspector-General of Police has deployed a special squad to investigate the ship and uncover its sponsors, who have been utilizing it for criminal activities against the country.
Captain Enisuoh explained that the vessel was monitored by the Nigerian Navy and their team before it was apprehended while loitering around the Sengana oil field in Bayelsa.
He commended the collaborative efforts of all security agencies involved, including the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Police, NSCDC, and the DSS, in dealing with the menace of crude oil theft.
The captain of the arrested vessel, Shitu Joseph, denied the allegations but admitted to being apprehended at the loading point by operatives of TANTITA SECURITY and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
He stated that three crew members jumped into the river during the arrest, and their whereabouts remain unknown.
Representative of the Inspector-General of Police Special Squad drafted into the vessel, CSP Sini O John in a chat with newsmen said, “As always, investigation has since begun.
“Further progress of the outcome of the investigation will be made public through the office of the Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force.”
