The Nigerian Navy has intercepted a Ghanaian-registered vessel, Motor Tanker Sweet Miri, suspected of engaging in crude oil theft.
The vessel, carrying 13 crew members including 12 Nigerians and one Ghanaian, was apprehended 174 nautical miles off the coast of Nigeria, approximately 320 kilometers, while en route to Benin Republic.
Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, Base Information Officer of the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, revealed that the vessel, which aroused suspicion due to its activities, was found to be transporting around 2 million liters of suspected crude oil without proper approval.
Rear Admiral MB Hassan, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command, revealed the vessel’s deliberate attempt to avoid detection by switching off its Automatic Identification System on February 25, 2024. This action prompted the deployment of the Nigerian Navy Ship Aba to investigate further.
Upon confirmation of the vessel’s suspicious cargo, the Nigerian Navy Ship Sokoto was dispatched to reinforce the interception efforts. The FOC stressed the vessel’s ownership by a Ghanaian entity and its registration under a Ghanaian company.
In accordance with directives from Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, the Nigerian Navy has opened the vessel for additional agencies to conduct independent investigation, in order to uncover the full extent of involvement in crude oil theft, extending beyond the vessel’s crew to identify potential masterminds.
The FOC extended appreciation to the Department of State Services (DSS) for their collaboration in conducting thorough investigations into instances of crude oil theft.
