Oil Theft: Navy Impounds Two Vessels, Nabs 22 In Bayelsa

Nigerian Navy has intercepted two vessels along the water routes leading to Agbami Oil Field and Ebi Creeks in the Sothern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The two vessels were said to be loaded with 2.111 million litres of crude oil valued over N2.4 billion allegedly stolen from Agbami oil platform.
Also arrested were 22 persons on board the two vessels said to be connected with the alleged oil theft.
The vessels, MT Eli and one other, were intercepted at separate points along the Ebi Creeks and Agbami Oil Field between 26th of December, 2013 and January 14, 2014.
According to the statement issued and signed by the Flag Officer Commanding the Central naval Command of the Navy, rear Admiral Sidi-Ali Hassan Usman, the arrested oil thieves were all Nigerians who lack necessary permits for the lifting of crude oil.
According to the Navy , the documents tendered were not the required ones, “they were unable to tender relevant documents such as Nigerian Port Authority bunkering permit and the NNPC nomination for crude oil lifting. And they lack the certificate of registration with the Joint Military Task Force and did not have the NHQ approval for the movement of petroleum products within the command area of responsibility”.
The navy also vowed to sustain the tempo of waterways and creek surveillance in the Niger delta.
“It underscores the determination of the Nigerian navy and the Central Naval Command in particular, to completely eradicate oil theft, illegal bunkering and other illegality in the Nigeria waterways, Usman said.
However, observers are wondering why the security outfit is busy chasing oil thieves while pirates seem to be operating without challenge.
It was gathered that within the three weeks, more this five people had lost their lives in different creeks of Bayelsa State, while hundred thousands of Naira had been stolen by pirates.