In a significant breakthrough, the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, under Operation Delta Sanity, intercepted the Motor Tanker SWEET MIRI, suspected of involvement in crude oil theft. The vessel, crewed by 13 individuals which included one Ghanaian and 12 Nigerians, was found transporting a huge cargo of 2 million liters of suspected crude oil without official approval.
Rear Admiral MB Hassan, the flag officer, highlighted that the vessel’s activities were of paramount interest to the Nigerian Navy, leading to its arrest 174 nautical miles off the Nigerian coastline. The vessel, owned by a Ghanaian and registered with a Ghanaian company, raised suspicions beyond the crew level, prompting an expanded investigation to identify all culprits involved.
The detained crew members are currently under interrogation to extract additional information regarding the illegal activities they may have been engaged in. The Nigerian Navy is collaborating with international partners to ensure accountability and prosecute those accountable for the theft of crude oil.
This successful interception is part of the Nigerian Navy’s continued efforts to combat oil theft and other illicit activities within Nigerian waters. Rear Admiral Hassan reinforced the Navy’s unwavering commitment to eradicating all forms of illegal maritime activities, prioritizing the security and protection of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The Nigerian Navy has urged the public to report any unlawful incidents within the maritime domain, emphasizing the crucial role of community vigilance in combating rampant issues like oil theft. Naval assets, including the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, are expected to maintain their active patrols in Nigerian waters, affirming their dedication to ensuring the safety and security of the maritime environment.
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