By Emmanuel Obisue
Nigerian military has stated that it destroyed 178,000 and not 800,000 litres of stolen crude oil contained in a Cameroon-bound vessel intercepted recently between the boundaries of Delta and Edo states.
Speaking on Thursday at its routine press briefing, the military high command clarified that although the vessel ‘MT TURA II’ has a tank capacity of 800,000 litres, it did not contain more than 178,000 litres as at when it was intercepted by a joint security team.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations while briefing journalists, said the facility reportedly owned by Holab Maritime Services Limited, was previously named “ALI RITA BEY”.
“On 7 July 23, troops and Operators of Tantita Surveillance contractors intercepted a vessel loaded with suspected stolen crude oil and arrested 12 suspects (a Ghanian and 11 Nigerians). The vessel was arrested between the boundaries of Delta and Ondo State. The vessel, MT TURA II reportedly owned by Holab Maritime Services Limited has a tank capacity of 800,000 litres. The vessel was previously named ALI RITA BEY.
“Close inspection on the vessel revealed that only two compartments were partially filled with about 150 metric tonnes which is approximately 178,000 litres. This quantity is less than a quarter of the vessel. The vessel upon arrest was moved to Oporoza in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
“The voyage of the vessel revealed that it originated from Lagos and was heading to Republic of Cameroon as its destination. The vessel captain admitted to having been engaged in same illegal activities for over four years. On 11 July 23, the vessel was destroyed in accordance with extant operating procedure that stipulates instant destruction of any vehicle, vessel or equipment linked with crude oil theft,” the military stated.
