The Nigerian Navy announced on Thursday that its Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda, Ondo State, successfully apprehended a Motor Tanker named MT VINNALARIS 1 LAGOS involved in crude oil theft. The vessel, measuring 77 meters, was caught illegally siphoning crude oil from a well head at the EBESAN oil field, approximately 7 nautical miles off the coast of Awoye riverine community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, issued a statement in Abuja, disclosing that the vessel, carrying 17 crew members, was arrested following credible intelligence received by the Base regarding illegal activities in the area. FOB Igbokoda personnel swiftly deployed to apprehend the vessel and its crew.
Upon approach, the anti-Crude Oil Theft Patrol Team observed two boats attached to MT VINNALARIS 1 LAGOS fleeing upon sighting naval personnel, confirming the vessel’s engagement in illegal activities. Further investigation revealed active siphoning of crude oil from both sides of the well head.
The vessel, with a storage capacity of approximately 15,000 metric tonnes, had loaded about 500 metric tonnes of crude oil at the time of arrest. Ayo-Vaughan emphasized that the arrest underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to curbing crude oil theft and illegalities in the country’s maritime domain.
He issued a warning that the Navy would employ all legitimate means to track and apprehend perpetrators of illegal activities in Nigeria’s maritime environment. The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its determination to combat such offenses and maintain security in the maritime sector.
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