Crude Oil Theft: Tantita Intercepts Another Vessel in Delta State in Collaboration with Nigerian Navy to Combat Oil Theft

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Tantita Security Services Limited, a private security outfit owned by former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has intercepted another vessel involved in crude oil theft in Delta State. The successful operation was carried out in collaboration with operatives of the Nigerian Navy, marking a significant boost in the ongoing fight against oil theft in the region.

Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSNL) was contracted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to protect pipelines from vandalization, and their efforts have yielded positive results in recent times. The vessel, named MT Harbour Spirit with IMO No. 8226272, was seized and is currently anchored at the Tantita facility in Oporoza, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State. Authorities are yet to provide detailed information on the operation.

This development comes just a month after the Nigerian naval authorities apprehended another vessel involved in crude oil theft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The 77-meter-long motor tanker (MT) VINNALARIS 1 LAGOS was arrested on December 7, with 17 crew members onboard. The vessel was caught engaging in illegal siphoning of crude oil from one of the wellheads at the EBESAN oil field, located approximately 7 nautical miles off the coast of Awoye riverine community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Oil theft has had a detrimental impact on Nigeria’s economy and has remained a significant concern for the government over the years. In response to the activities of economic saboteurs, the Federal Government awarded a pipeline surveillance contract worth N48 billion per year (N4 billion per month) to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in August of the previous year. While the security company has achieved notable successes, particularly in joint operations with the Nigerian military, the issue of oil theft has not been completely eradicated.

The interception of another vessel by Tantita Security Services Limited, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, demonstrates the continued commitment to tackling oil theft and safeguarding the country’s oil resources. The authorities and security agencies are working diligently to address this pressing issue and protect Nigeria’s economy from the negative effects of oil theft.