By The Defence Headquarter (DHQ), Thursday, said it destroyed a vessel loaded with suspected stolen crude oil in accordance with extant operating procedure that stipulates instant destruction of any vehicle, vessel or equipment linked with crude oil theft.
Director Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba who stated this Thursday while briefing journalists in Abuja, said the vessel, MT TURA II was reportedly owned by Holab Maritime Services Limited and has a tank capacity of 800,000 litres.
He said troops and Operators of Tantita Surveillance contractors On 7 July 23, intercepted the vessel loaded with suspected stolen crude oil and arrested 12 suspects (a Ghanaian and 11 Nigerians).
According to him, the vessel was arrested between the boundaries of Delta and Ondo state.
“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 the Republic of Cameroon as its destination. The vessel captain admitted to having engaged in illegal activities for over four years,” he said.
Asked whether the military is considering reviewing its operating procedure in view of the economic loss and environmental impact of destruction of vessels, general Buba said:
“What I can tell you is that in the military we work with instructions, whatever instruction we get, we operate with it. If it is reviewed, we will operate with it. We don’t make the law, we work with the laws that are given to us.” (Blueprint)
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