The Nigerian Navy has made a significant breakthrough in combating oil theft and illegal bunkering activities, announcing the arrest of a Ghanaian vessel carrying approximately two million litres of stolen Nigerian crude oil. The vessel, identified as Motor Tanker (MT) Sweet MIRI, was intercepted on February 25, 2024, along with its crew of 13 individuals, including one Ghanaian and 12 Nigerians.
The arrest was made possible through the Navy’s newly launched operation, ‘Operation Delta Sanity.’ Rear Admiral Ayo Vaughan, the Navy spokesman, disclosed that the interception occurred about 174 nautical miles off Nigeria’s coast, as the vessel was en route to the Benin Republic. The ship’s suspicious behavior, including turning off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) to evade detection, raised red flags for naval authorities.
The Navy swiftly deployed Nigerian Navy Ship ABA and SOKOTO to intercept the vessel, subsequently tagging it as a “Vessel of Interest” (VoI) due to its contravention of the International Ships and Port Security Code (ISPS). Rear Admiral Vaughan emphasized the importance of the Navy’s vigilance in curbing illicit activities in Nigerian waters, stating, “The infraction by the vessel contravenes the International Ships and Port Security Code (ISPS), and she was tagged a ‘Vessel of Interest’ (VoI) by the Nigerian Navy.”
The operation aligns with the directives of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, who has ordered a thorough and independent investigation into the actions of the detained ship and its crew. This crackdown on maritime infractions comes at a crucial time for Nigeria, as the government aims to bolster crude oil production to reach a projected output of 2.5 million barrels per day.
Recent data indicates a positive trend in Nigeria’s oil production, with January 2024 witnessing a significant uptick. The country’s oil output rose to 1,426,574 barrels daily, marking a notable increase from December 2023 figures. With the price of Brent crude surpassing $84 per barrel, Nigeria stands to benefit from enhanced foreign exchange earnings, alleviating the persistent foreign exchange scarcity that has plagued the nation in recent months.
The successful interception of the Ghanaian vessel underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain and preserving its valuable natural resources. As investigations into the incident continue, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to combat illegal activities and uphold maritime security in the region.
