A vessel believed to be carrying stolen crude oil was successfully apprehended by agents from Tanita Security Services, a private security provider for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, which is owned by the former militant’s commander, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo.
It was learned that the MT PRAISEL, the subject ship, was being escorted by a naval boat under the command of Cdr Samuel Samba Musa.
According to information obtained by this magazine, Tanita agents managed to hold out after obtaining support from the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Naval Staff and eventually captured the ship.
On August 2, 2023, the incident took place in Delta State’s Koko region.
Tanita personnel came upon the ship while on normal patrol, and it was apparently flying the flag of Togo. But based on intelligence, they believed the crude oil in the vessel’s cargo had been obtained illegally.
It is believed that a nearby Navy boat commanded by Cdr Musa resisted the Tanita agents when they attempted to board the ship. The Tanita crew resisted giving in despite threats of coercive action.
According to sources, the Chief of Naval Staff and the National Security Adviser were instantly informed and gave the Tanita agents their approval to carry out the interception.
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Nigeria has been concerned about crude oil theft, which has led to significant losses. A stunning $700 million worth of crude oil was lost to the country every single day last year alone, or an estimated 470,000 barrels per day.