Oil theft: Reps ask security agents to halt destruction of oil laden vessels

By Christiana Ekpa

Following the frequent destruction of vessels laden with stolen crude oil by security agents, the House of Representatives on Tuesday asked  the security agencies of the Federal Government to desist from such acts.

The House equally mandated the Committees on Environment and that of climate change (when constituted) to ensure compliance.

The resolutions was sequel to the adoption of a motion by a member from Delta state Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, at plenary.

Presenting the motion, the Lawmaker Observed that setting ablaze stolen crude oil laden vessels will further destroy the well endowed ecosystem of the Niger Delta region already ravaged by oil exploration.

“The House notes the recent reports of interception, arrest and subsequent destruction of vessels laden with stolen crude oil in the Niger Delta region, the most recent being MT TURA II on Friday 7th July, 2023 in the escravos river in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State.

“Also notes that the vessel MT TURA, an 800,000 tonne capacity vessel was at the time of arrest and destruction, laden with about 150,000 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil. Further notes that the said vessel was set ablaze by a joint team of Nigeria security forces and representatives of the NNPC Ltd. on 11hJuly, 2023.

“Aware that in October 2022, a vessel named MTDEIMA which was laden with 1500 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil, was also arrested and set ablaze in the Warri escravos river.

Adopting the motion, resolved to set up a committee to investigate the reasons behind the destruction of the oil laden vessels by the security agents. Also notes that the vessel MT TURA, an 800,000 tonne capacity vessel was at the time of arrest and destruction, laden with about 150,000 metric tonatives of the NNPC Ltd. on 11hJuly, 2023