The House of Representatives issued a request to security agencies, urging them to refrain from the practise of incinerating vessels containing stolen crude oil.
Recall that a collaborative effort between the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited on July 11th, resulted in the incineration of a captured vessel transporting containers of illicitly obtained crude oil in the Escravos region of Delta State.
The military helicopter ignited the vessel, causing it to be engulfed in flames. The ship, purportedly under the ownership of a Nigerian-registered company, was en route to Cameroon carrying its cargo when it was intercepted at a location offshore, with the captain and crew members present.
However, following a resolution by the member representing Akwa Ibom State’s Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency, Uduak Odudoh, the lower chamber condemned the burning of the vessel, promising to investigate the facts surrounding the incident.
The House recalled that in October 2022, a vessel dubbed MT Deima was apprehended and burned ablaze in the Warri Escravos River while carrying 1500 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil.
It also voiced concern that if the pattern persisted, it would have a negative impact on the livelihood and overall well-being of the Niger Delta’s fishing communities.
