A joint operation involving Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, the Nigerian Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has led to the arrest of the MT Harbor Spirit vessel, with 12 Nigerian crew members, for involvement in illegal crude oil bunkering activities in Bayelsa State.
Captain Warriedi Enisuoh, the Executive Director of Operations at Tantita, presented the vessel and its crew during a parade on Tuesday. The vessel is currently docked at Tantita’s facility in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom. Enisuoh disclosed that the arrest occurred around 1 am on Sunday when the vessel was found loitering around the Sangana Oilfield in Bayelsa, where it had illegally anchored and begun loading crude oil.
Enisuoh stated that approximately 88,000 liters of crude oil had already been unlawfully siphoned by the vessel’s crew at the time of the arrest. He highlighted that the primary objective of the operation was to combat oil theft and apprehend the sponsors of the vessel and those involved in criminal activities.
Responding to media inquiries, the captain of the arrested vessel, Shittu Joseph, confirmed that they were intercepted at the loading point in Sangana by Tantita and NSCDC operatives. Joseph expressed dissatisfaction with the operation, mentioning attempts by some crew members to evade capture, with three individuals jumping into the water.
“We are just a crew; we are Nigerians, and we are only looking to earn a living,” Joseph stated.
Chief Superintendent of Police Omar Sini, Head of Investigations for the Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering, announced that investigations had commenced. He assured that updates on the investigation’s progress would be provided through the office of the Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force.
