The Nigeria Navy Headquarters has dismissed allegations that Navy personnel on board Motor Tanker (MT) PRAISEL were involved in oil theft.
Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, the Navy’s Director of Information, clarified on Friday that the personnel were merely escorting the vessel for a thorough investigation of its contents.
According to him, MT PRAISEL is owned by a private security outfit, Tantita Security Service Limited (TSSL), which was duly approved by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to load 1,114,721 Litres of High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO) from Greenmac Energy Storage/Tarus Jetty Koko between July 26 and August 8.
However, on August 2nd, TSSL, acting on intelligence, alleged that the vessel was carrying stolen crude oil. Subsequently, the Navy directed the vessel to Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS anchorage for further investigation.
Samples of the product on-board MT PRAISEL were collected by five agencies, including Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL), NMDPRA, and TSSL, following laid procedures for laboratory testing and verification of the claim.
The Naval Spokesman emphasized the Navy’s commitment to fighting maritime crimes and supporting efforts to halt economic saboteurs in the country.
He urged all stakeholders to exercise necessary precautions to avoid unnecessary hindrance to legitimate commercial activities and businesses in the maritime environment, as such actions can have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s economy.
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