Oil Theft: Navy Hands Barge, TUG Over To EFCC
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA has handed over the impounded TUG MV STEPH 1 and Barge SIMI to the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The arrested vessels, laden with product suspected to be stolen Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO), were handed over to the anti-graft agency on Wednesday at the NNS DELTA Jetty. Commander88 Samuel Musa, the Base Operations Officer (BOO) of NNS DELTA released the vessels to the EFCC on behalf of the Commander, NNS DELTA, Commodore Chindo Yahaya. Addressing newsmen, Yahaya said that Barge SIMI was impounded with about 120,000 litres of product suspected to be AGO at Workson Jetty, Edjeba, on the NPA Expressway in Warri South. He said that TUG MV STEPH 1 was arrested at KFT Yard, Edjeba on the NPA Expressway while discharging suspected AGO into some rubber tanks. The commander said that the two vessels were arrested on July 6. “On July 6, 2023, NNS DELTA arrested Barge SIMI, laden with about 120,000 litres of product suspected to be AGO at Workson Jetty, Edjeba on the NPA Expressway. “The barge was without necessary documents and approvals. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the product is an accumulation of Remnants On Board (ROB) from various vessels. “Accordingly, Barge SIMI is hereby handed over to the EFCC for detailed investigation and further necessary action. “Similarly, On July 6, 2023, NNS DELTA also arrested TUG MV STEPH I at KFT Yard, Edjeba on the NPA Expressway in Warri,” he said. Yahaya said that TUG MV STEPH 1 was caught discharging product without necessary documentation, and approvals adding that it was consequently detained and taken to NNS DELTA. “Accordingly, TUG MV STEPH 1 is hereby handed over to the EFCC for detailed investigation and further necessary action,” he said. Yahaya said that the NNS DELTA was poised to rid-off its area of illegal activities or operations. He warned those who indulged in such illegalities to desist forthwith. Mr Gomina Suru, Assistant Cdr. EFCC Two, Benin Zonal Command led officials of the anti-graft agency to receive the vessels on behalf of the Commission. “I am directed by the EFCC Two, Benin Zonal Command to take over the TUG and Barge from the NNS DELTA for the furtherance of investigation.” Officials of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) were on ground to collect samples of the product.
Military Takes Down 53 Illegal Refining Sites, Apprehends 19 Suspects
In a significant operation, troops of Operation Delta Safe have eliminated 53 illegal refining sites, captured 19 suspected oil thieves, and recovered stolen products. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, revealed these accomplishments during a press briefing in Abuja, where he also highlighted the military’s ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region. Furthermore, the military successfully dismantled 54 dugout pits, 66 boats, 138 storage tanks, 253 cooking ovens, two pumping machines, eight speedboats, 17 hoses, 18 drums, and two cylinders used in these illegal operations. Notably, they recovered a significant quantity of stolen crude oil, illegally refined AGO, and DPK. Additionally, troops neutralized a criminal, rescued three hostages, and seized a fabricated rifle, 18 vehicles, and one flashlight. Operation UDO KA in the South East resulted in the arrest of suspected IPOB/ESN members in Ebonyi and Imo States, along with the neutralization of five terrorists, the apprehension of 12 suspected criminals, and the rescue of seven kidnapped hostages. The troops also recovered various weapons and explosives, which were subsequently handed over to the relevant authorities. These operations have been pivotal in uncovering and dismantling criminal ‘safe havens’ used by extremists across various theatres of operation as criminals have been exploiting national parks, game reserves, and forests as hideouts, with disturbing activities discovered in some of these camps, shedding light on the horrific acts committed by these extremists.
We’ll continue to support fight against oil theft -Chevron
Oil major, Chevron Nigeria Limited, has said that it would not relent in the continued support of the fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger delta region. General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs of Chevron, Esimaje Brikinn, in a statement on Saturday insisted that over the years, it has been in the vanguard of the fight to curb oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the oil rich region. CNL is the operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL/CNL JV). According to Esimaje, to therefore blame the company for incidences of oil theft and pipeline vandalism is not only untrue but also without basis. “Chevron Nigeria Limited is aware of a report in one of the online media platforms blaming international oil companies (IOCs), communities and other stakeholders for the oil theft that has hindered the growth of the oil industry. “Chevron and another IOC were specifically mentioned in the report allegedly attributed to the Chairman of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee set up to investigate crude oil theft. “CNL refutes this assertion as it is untrue, incorrect, and made without any basis. CNL reiterates its commitment to supporting the collaborative efforts to prevent oil theft and pipeline vandalism in its area of operation. “CNL affirms illegal bunkering and oil theft in the Niger Delta region has negatively impacted CNL’s operation and has devastating effects on the nation’s economy and the environment in the Niger Delta region. CNL continues to monitor the environment in its areas of operations and report any suspected illegal activity and breaches to the relevant Government Security Forces and regulatory agencies. “CNL has helped in reducing pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta region by collaborating with communities around the areas of the company’s operations to set up the Community Pipeline and Facilities Surveillance Programme (CPFSP) in 2005. Through the CPFSP, CNL continues to tackle the challenge of oil theft and pipeline vandalism and engage the community youth in pipeline surveillance to reduce oil theft in CNL’s area of operation. CNL also deploys security surveillance equipment and other technologies in addition to physical water-borne patrols by the CPFSP and the government security forces,” the company said. He noted that CNL’s commitment to working with government agencies and others to prevent oil theft and its impact on the environment was recently commended by the Special Investigation Panel on Oil Theft/Losses in Nigeria set up by the Federal Government during their visit to CNL’s operations. “CNL is committed to the highest ethical standards and business principles. CNL operates as a responsible company and conducts its business in full compliance with the law and in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. CNL will continue to work with the Nigerian government towards the development of the oil and gas industry and the Nigerian economy generally,” he added.
Reps to expose culprits behind oil theft in Nigeria
The House of Representatives has taken a resolute stance in its battle against crude oil theft and the resultant loss of revenue from the gas sector. Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Rep. Kabiru Rurum, disclosed this ahead of the committee’s investigative hearing scheduled for September 7. He stressed that the oil sector remains the primary source of revenue for the nation and emphasized that this investigation would differ significantly from previous attempts. Rurum acknowledged that while oil and gas constitute the lifeblood of the country’s resources, the problem of oil theft has escalated unabated. He asserted, “The purpose of the committee is to reveal who and who are the architects of what is going on in the area of crude oil theft.” Blaming security agencies alone would be insufficient, according to Rurum. Instead, he called for accountability from all stakeholders in the oil sector, including major players like Chevron and Shell, as well as local communities. The primary objective of the committee is to identify the culprits responsible for crude oil theft and initiate measures to curb this ongoing issue. Rurum emphasized that all stakeholders should present their perspectives during the investigation, with the main goal being to devise strategies to prevent or minimize oil theft in the sector. To ensure a comprehensive examination of the matter, the committee has invited various entities, including the Nigerian Navy, responsible for safeguarding the nation’s waters, as well as the Air Force, Civil Defence, Police Intelligence Agency, and others. Rurum also highlighted the involvement of the Norwegian Embassy, which had previously pledged to assist Nigeria in curbing oil theft. Their input is expected to contribute to potential solutions. The recommendations of this committee will be robust and comprehensive, considering the gravity of the challenges facing the oil sector. The committee is committed to collaborating closely with the National Security Adviser to address the multifaceted issues surrounding crude oil theft. The investigation into crude oil theft and revenue loss from the oil and gas sector was initiated following a motion put forth by Rep. Philip Agbese (APC-Benue). The House of Representatives subsequently constituted the ad-hoc committee to thoroughly examine these issues and ensure that all individuals complicit in oil theft are held accountable.
Troops crackdown on oil thieves in Imo, Delta
The Nigeria Army has confirmed its cracked down on illegal refineries in Imo and Delta, with seizure of several litres of illegally refined Petroleum products. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made the confirmation in a statement in Abuja. Nwachukwu said the Troops of 343 Artillery Regiment, on Monday, cracked down on an oil thieves’ camp in Obokofia Community in Imo while conducting anti-oil theft operations. According to him, the vigilant troops intercepted 15 sacks and 13 Jerry cans of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in the camp. He added that the troops also recovered two pumping machines, three power generators, one hose and a tool box used for hacking into oil pipelines. Nwachukwu said the troops, while acting on credible information, on Tuesday, intercepted a wooden boat loaded with 110 sacks of illegally refined AGO concealed in the creeks of Egbema West in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo. “The vigilant troops equally intercepted two vehicles loaded with 18 sacks of illegally refined AGO within the same general area. “Members of the public are please implored to report any suspected act of sabotage or criminality to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations to curb economic sabotage in the country,” he said. According to him, “Troops of 3 Battalion also on Monday, clamped down on an active illegal oil refining site containing three cooking ovens and six reservoirs at Enokora Community in Burutu LGA of Delta.”
Nigerian Navy returns seized vessels involved in oil theft
In compliance with a court ruling, the Nigerian Navy has handed back a merchant tanker vessel, MV TIS IV, and a Barge Podium, which were impounded for their involvement in oil theft, to their respective owners over the weekend. Following the court conviction of the crew and the subsequent decision to forfeit the stolen crude to the federal government while returning the vessels to their owners, the Naval facility Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso in Brass, Bayelsa, witnessed the return of these impounded vessels. The MV TIS IV had been detained for two years, while the Barge Podium had been held for six years, both on allegations of engaging in crude oil theft. The release of these vessels was conducted in accordance with a directive from the Naval Headquarters, adhering to the court’s judgment. The handover took place at a brief ceremony at FOB Egwema, Brass, and was conducted by Commander Dantani Bukar, the Executive Officer of FOB, on behalf of Navy Captain Murtala Rogo, the Commanding Officer, who was represented. Commander Rogo recounted the circumstances leading to the vessels’ detention. MV TIS IV was apprehended on December 5, 2021, within the Akassa River creek in Bayelsa, while the Barge Podium was seized on May 15, 2017, in the Alaki area of Rivers State. The MV TIS IV, carrying 17 crew members and approximately 700,000 liters of suspected stolen crude, was handed over to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for prosecution. The crew members were found guilty and sentenced by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. The court further ruled that the vessel’s content be forfeited to the federal government, a process executed by the EFCC on February 23, 2023. Commander Rogo explained that the court also ordered the vessels’ release to their owners on bond. FOB Formoso, acting on the directives of the Naval Headquarters, facilitated the handover to the owners in the presence of EFCC representatives. He emphasized FOB Formoso’s commitment to upholding the strategic goals set by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, in the battle against oil theft and illegal bunkering within the maritime domain. He reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to ensuring a secure and safe maritime environment, conducive to legitimate business operations and aligned with national security objectives.
Nigerian Army will stamp out oil theft, pipeline vandalism —COAS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has said the Nigerian Army under his watch will stamp out oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the country’s Niger-Delta region. Lagbaja gave this assurance during an interactive session with media executives on in Ibadan as part of activities marking the 2023 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL). “The Army will focus on the situation in the Niger-Delta region, just as it will not also lose focus on what is happening in other parts of the country in line with the mandate of the current government,” he said. Lagbaja said this was necessary since most of the country’s oil and gas infrastructure are in the South-South region, pointing out that 90 percent of Nigeria’s revenue are from the sector. He expressed concern that pipelines’ vandalisation and oil theft in the Niger-Delta region have affected the country’s revenue generation, stating that urgent steps must be taken to curb the situation. “The President has said that the nation is bleeding from all these. The money is not just there to do what we used to do in the past. “This has led to the removal of oil subsidy and the floated exchange rate, while other reforms have also been put in place. “Riding on the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of the President, the Nigerian Army under my watch will stamp out oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger-Delta,” Lagbaja said. The COAS further said that he would also not lose focus on banditry in the North-West. ”I know that people desired to go back to their farms and live normally as law-abiding Nigerians. “We will work to defeat banditry and kidnapping which are being operated freely in some communities. ”We will therefore entrench there in the North-West the stability we have achieved in the North-East region. “We want a situation where people can wake up by 2 a.m. and be confident to engage in their legitimate business. “In those days, truck owners/drivers transport fish from Baga to Onisha and leave Baga by 2 a.m. without any fear of insecurity. “So, we want to return to that era where people live peacefully in Plateau and parts of Southern Kaduna and other places where we are currently experiencing security challenges,” he said. The COAS also said it was gratifying to note that the Nigerian Army was frequently called upon to address various security challenges confronting Nigeria. ”This is because the Army has been found to be reliable and meeting Nigerians’ expectations. “We are not complaining about the frequent calls, because we are the people’s Army.” The activities of the 2023 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) are ongoing, together with the 160th Anniversary of the Nigerian Army.