August 04, (THEWILL) – Operatives of the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL), have intercepted another vessel laden with suspected stolen crude oil in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State.
TSSNL is a private security company owned by erstwhile leader of Niger Delta agitators, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly called Tompolo.
THEWILL gathered that the 1,117 tonnes vessel, tagged MT Praisel, intercepted on Wednesday, was said to be flying a Togolese flag and was being escorted by a Navy boat, led by a senior naval commander.
Speaking with newsmen, a TSSNL operative lamented the stiff resistance from the navy boat escorting the vessel.
However, it was gathered that the local security group eventually contacted the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu and the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, who subsequently gave them the go-ahead to inspect the vessel.
When they gained access to the vessel, the security company said they noticed that the vessel was authorised to carry products by the navy. but did not have any approvals from Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
THEWILL recalls that a former Niger Delta agitator, Asari Dokubo, recently told journalists at the State House after meeting with President Bola Tinubu that some corrupt military officers were involved in the stealing of Nigeria’s crude oil.
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