Rear Admiral Mohammed Hassan, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, announced the apprehension of 13 individuals believed to be involved in crude oil theft aboard the Motor Tanker (MT) Sweet Miri, situated off the Nigerian coast.
During a press briefing conducted onboard the vessel, Hassan disclosed that the MT Sweet Miri, carrying nearly two million liters of suspected crude oil, lacked naval authorization. This development underscores ongoing efforts to combat illicit activities within Nigerian waters.
Hassan, who also serves as the Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Awase, South West, emphasized the commencement of Operation Delta Sanity by Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). This initiative has bolstered the resolve of naval personnel to tackle crude oil theft with increased determination.
Highlighting the sequence of events leading to the apprehension, Hassan explained that radar surveillance detected a suspicious vessel approximately 174 nautical miles off the Nigerian coast, prompting the deployment of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Aba for investigation. Subsequently, NNS Sokoto was dispatched to reinforce the search and interdiction efforts.
MT Sweet Miri had been under the surveillance of the Nigerian Navy for some time due to suspicion of involvement in crude oil theft. The vessel was made available for inspection by other relevant agencies to conduct independent investigations, facilitating a comprehensive probe into the matter.
In his remarks, Hassan underscored the prevalence of crude oil theft from abandoned wellheads at sea, emphasizing the necessity to decommission such sites to deter criminal activities.
Furthermore, he reiterated the Navy's commitment, under the directives of the CNS, to apprehend not only the perpetrators but also the masterminds behind such illicit operations. Hassan cited the successful arrest of individuals linked to the MT Vinnalaris 1 Lagos incident in December 2023, affirming the Navy's resolve to pursue justice relentlessly.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the Department of State Services (DSS), Hassan commended the agency for its crucial role in investigations, emphasizing the importance of multi-agency cooperation in combating maritime crimes.
The apprehension of the suspects aboard MT Sweet Miri marks another significant milestone in the ongoing battle against crude oil theft in Nigerian waters, underscoring the Navy's unwavering commitment to safeguarding maritime security and upholding the rule of law.
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