TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited, a leading private security organization in the campaign against oil theft, has refuted claims made by the Nigerian Navy regarding the intercepted vessel MT PRAISEL. The security firm has emphasized that the vessel was indeed on an illegal operation, contrary to the Navy’s assertions.
In a statement released on Saturday, TANTITA management provided a detailed account of the events leading to the interception of the vessel. According to the statement, the security firm received credible intelligence on August 1, 2023, suggesting that the MT PRAISEL, which had obtained NMDPRA approval to deliver HPFO from Koko to Lagos offshore, was moving in the opposite direction.
TANTITA operatives approached the vessel on August 2, 2023, as it navigated a creek in Delta State off Benin River. Naval personnel were found on board the vessel, and the TANTITA inspection crew included officers and personnel from Operation Delta Safe, an inter-service task force combating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The Master of the vessel indicated that it was sailing to Bonny, contradicting the approved port of discharge stated in the NMDPRA clearance documents. TANTITA requested naval clearance and further documentation, revealing that the approved port of discharge was Koko for storage only, not Bonny.
Amidst this, Naval personnel onboard demanded the immediate disembarkation of TANTITA personnel, leading to the escalation of the issue to higher authorities. The vessel was subsequently anchored off Escravos roads for further investigation.
TANTITA dispatched personnel to collect cargo samples from the vessel on August 3, 2023, with the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) present during the collection. Contrary to media reports, TANTITA personnel were still on board the vessel collecting samples when news of the interception broke.
The statement also highlights the need for a streamlined approval process and collaboration between different agencies to prevent unscrupulous elements from exploiting gaps in procedures to transport and sell stolen crude and illegally refined products. TANTITA underscores its commitment to eradicating oil theft and working closely with government security agencies to ensure a secure environment.
The management of TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited concluded the statement by reaffirming its partnership with various government security agencies and emphasizing the importance of addressing discrepancies to uphold transparency and curb illegal activities in the oil and gas sector.
