JTF destroys 35 bunkerers’ refineries, 18 boats

Over 35 illegal oil refineries and 18 local boats used by bunkerers had been destroyed by the Joint Task Force on Oil Bunkering operating in Ondo State. The Joint Task Force which stormed the riverine communities burnt down all illegal refineries in a two day operation in the coastal communities of Ondo, Edo and Delta states.
The operation was in conjunction with a private security outfit, Gallery Security Services Limited owned by an ex-militant High Chief Bebopiri Ajube that intercepted over 1.6million litres of stolen crude recently.
The illegal refineries are hidden in the creeks of Dababilebu, Akitogbo, Adiloseimo, Obontonu and Akina-Zion communities.

EFCC Takes Over Illegal Oil Bunkering Vessel

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has taken possession of an illegal oil bunkering vessel suspected to be carrying 300 metric tonnes  of  illegally refined  Automotive Gas Oil also known as diesel. The vessel, MT Ocean Treasure, alongside eight crew members and three staff of Vital Shipping Limited, Apapa, owners of the vessel, were handed over to officials of the commission.

The crew members are: Ayoade Emmanuel, Stephen Bamgbose, Idowu Balogun, King. C. Fred,  Michael Ekanem,  Olorunwa Omowunmi, Felix Ayenuberu and Suru Lepe; while the three staff on board the vessel are: Onuoha Ikechukwu, Omodara Emmaneul and Faith Akhahowa.

Duniya David, Principal Maritime Safety Officer of NIMASA, who handed over the vessel and crew on behalf of the Director General of NIMASA, Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro, urged the commission to carry out further investigation on the source of the petroleum product and the operations of the vessel.

Receiving the document transferring the vessel and crew, Usman Ladan Baki assured Nigerians, that the EFCC will do its best in investigating the case.

 According to a statement from the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, reports showed that the vessel was first sighted on August 5, 2012 by NIMASA enforcement team on routine patrol off Escravos.  Their attention was drawn to the vessel because it wasn’t carrying a registered flag and they gave it a chase. In the encounter and ensuing gun fight, the vessel and its crew escaped. The boat conveying the patrol team ran out of fuel and had to make a retreat.  The boat later capsized and one of the patrol team members died. On account of this, NIMASA officials kept a tab on the vessel and eventually arrested it as it attempts to move into the Lagos Harbour.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/efcc-takes-over-illegal-oil-bunkering-vessel/122574/ 

Crude Oil Theft: NNPC, Inter-Agency C’ttee seek co-operation

 Following President Goodluck Jonathan’s directive and inauguration of the committee to initiate measures that will bring an end to illegal crude oil business in the country, the NNPC has expressed its determination to collaborate with other government agencies to achieve same, stating that as an indispensable player in maritime business, it must rise to the occasion in such a time as this.

 According to a statement from the acting Group General Manager, Public Affairs of the Corporation, Fidel Pepple, the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Mr. Andrew Yakubu was quoted to have said this when the inter-agency maritime operation committee paid him a courtesy call in his office.

Yakubu noted that NNPC as a corporate entity takes part in the maritime business both locally and internationally must rise-up to the occasion along with other government agencies to confront and bring to book unscrupulous individuals that have deprived and depleted the nation’s economy as a result of their illegal maritime business.

Yakubu said that “the maritime industry significantly impacts on our industry and we really do appreciate efforts of Mr. President to address particularly issues that border on crude oil theft. We are ready to support the various initiatives of the Federal Government so as to stem the embarrassing trend of illegal bunkering in the maritime industry. We know the impact of bunkering and crude oil theft on our economy and our environment. These are vices that we must collectively stamp out of our nation. We cannot claim that we are helpless.”

Members of the inter-agency maritime operation committee are drawn from the NNPC, Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Customs, Police, SSS and the judiciary.