Rear Admiral Umar Chugali, the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, has provided an explanation for the Nigerian Navy’s practice of burning vessels intercepted with stolen crude oil.
This decision came under scrutiny when the Navy set fire to the MT TURA II, a vessel bound for Cameroon carrying 150 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil on July 11, 2023. Some Nigerians, including members of the House of Representatives, questioned the burning of the vessel.
However, during a familiarisation tour of naval units in Warri, Delta State on July 25, Chugali clarified that this action aligns with the Navy’s standard operating procedure.
“So far, every naval personnel, unit and establishment is operating under that SOP, which, for now, is very effective until any other means is devised. We are operating by SOP and also within extant regulations,” Chugali said.
“Burning intercepted vessels with stolen crude has been discovered, for now, as the immediate response to ensure that those illegalities on the maritime domain do not exist. Maybe, later it could be reviewed.”
On previous occasions, the Nigerian Navy has resorted to setting ablaze vessels transporting stolen crude oil. One such incident occurred in October 2022 when officers in Delta State destroyed an illegal oil bunkering vessel that was apprehended carrying stolen crude oil within the Niger Delta creeks.
The Navy arrested a seven-member crew on board on the creeks of Escravos, while crude oil was being loaded illegally into the ship.
About 600 to 650 cubic metres of illegally lifted crude oil in five compartments was said to be on board the vessel.
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