Operatives of the Nigerian Navy and Tantita Security Services, a firm operated by Chief Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) on Monday Night set ablaze an illegal oil bunkering vessel arrested with stolen crude oil aboard in Escravos area of Delta State.
Recall that the vessel was arrested last Thursday, with seven crew members close to Escravos in Warri South West Local government area of the state. At the point of arrest, about 600 to 650 cubic metres of illegally lifted crude oil in five compartments was said to be on board the vessel.
The Nigerian Navy and Tantita Security Services personnel set the ill-fated vessel on fire in the presence of journalists.
The Marine Intelligence Consultant for Tantita Security Services, Captain Warredi Enisuoh disclosed that the arrest was based on intelligence gathering disclosing that his security men, “monitored the space via satellite.”
He said records showed that the arrested Dutch vessel, sold to a Nigerian, had been variously, “used for moving crude oil illegally for years,” disclosing that she was scheduled to take the stolen crude to Tema in Ghana.
Enisuoh expressed delight that, “the operation of Tantita Security Services in collaboration with Operation Delta Safe, which is a government and private sector initiative, has yielded positive results leading to the arrest.”
Announcing the arrest of the vessel on Sunday, before her destruction on Monday, the Operational Head of Tantita Security Services Limited, Chief Ebipade Kari who led the operation confirmed that the interception was made after they received a tip-off.
Uploaded by — ADULEYE OYINKANSOLA
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