Categories: News & Events

Suspected oil thieves abandon 1.8m litres of crude oil in Rivers

uspected oil thieves abandon 1.8m litres of crude oil in Rivers

  • Suspected oil thieves took to their heels and abandoned about 1.8 million litres of crude oil believed to have been stolen from pipelines, the Nigerian Navy has said.

The Executive Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, Capt. Victor Choji, showed the seized crude oil to newsmen on Friday in Onne, Rivers State.

Choji said that the abandoned petroleum product was stored inside a vessel, MT Anton, which anchored at Sam Bartholomew Waterways in Onne.

“On Feb. 26 at about 5:50 hours, troops of NNS Pathfinder deployed for anti-crude oil and illegal bunkering patrols intercepted a vessel, MT Anton, at Sam Bartholomew Rivers.

“MT Anton’s crew members, sighting advancing naval patrol gunboats,  abandoned the vessel about the time troops arrived,” he said.

The naval officer said that  the vessel’s abandonment indicated progress in the fight against criminality in the nation’s maritime environment.

“Troops later boarded the vessel and found it laden with about 1,800 metric tonnes (1.8 million litres) of suspected stolen crude oil.

“The vessel has been in our custody undergoing preliminary investigation.

“We have also been waiting for someone to come forward and claim ownership of the large vessel,” he said.

Choji said that no individual or company had come to claim the vessel since it was seized by troops.

He said that information available to naval investigators had been sketchy and inadequate to determine whom the vessel was registered to or where it was registered.

According to him, the navy has since discovered that some oil thieves now change their identities to beat security checks.

“Some of the vessels have a way of changing and mutating their identities especially when they want to get involved in illegalities.

“It is interesting to us that owners of the vessel are willing to abandon an expensive asset like a vessel for fear of what will happen if they are arrested.

“We will remain dogged, firm and resolute in our campaign against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other forms of illegalities within the Rivers State maritime domain,” he said.

Choji handed over the vessel to operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to carry out further investigation to unravel its ownership.




  • Adeniran Damilola Adesola

    Recent Posts

    Heart Attack Causes and its Solution

    What is the Main Cause of a Heart Attack? What is its Solution? A heart attack is the blockage of… Read More

    12 months ago

    Understanding the Debt Ceiling: Its Impact, Importance, and Implications

    In the vast economic arena, one term that often takes center stage, inciting extensive debates and discussions, is the "debt… Read More

    1 year ago

    De-Dollarization: The New World Order of Currency and Its Global Impact

    De-Dollarization: The Changing Face of Global Finance The financial landscape is in a state of flux, with an intriguing economic… Read More

    1 year ago

    Unstoppable Bayern Munich: The Story Behind Their 11th Consecutive Bundesliga Title

    The curtains closed on a dramatic Bundesliga season with Bayern Munich standing tall once again, clinching their 11th straight title.… Read More

    1 year ago

    Celine Dion Cancels Concert Tour Due to Deteriorating Stiff-Person Syndrome

    The Unfolding Story of Celine Dion's Health In recent news that has left fans across the globe stunned, iconic singer… Read More

    1 year ago

    Navigating the Crossroads: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the LA Lakers’ Uncertain Future

    As the echoes of the recent NBA season start to fade, the attention of enthusiasts is firmly glued to one… Read More

    2 years ago