MT TURA: Destruction of Illicit Oil Vessels Followed Extant Military Laws – DHQ

MT TURA: Destruction of Illicit Oil Vessels Followed Extant Military Laws – DHQ

The Military high command has justified the action of destroying rogue vessels engaged in crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region, stating that it is in accordance with extant laws that govern military operations.

Addressing the press in Abuja on Thursday, Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, said the destruction of these illicit vessels aligns with prescribed operational procedures as established by the military.

Maj-Gen Buba further noted that reasons behind the decisive action taken against these vessels, emphasizing that the military’s operations are conducted in strict adherence to approved procedures.

PRNigeria reports that House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the whereabouts of the $12 million worth of crude oil in the recently burnt MT TURA II Vessel.

Recalled that the vessel was set ablaze by security operatives on the 11th of July, by the Joint Task Force headed by Operation Delta Safe, after intercepted a vessel allegedly conveying stolen 150 metric tonnes of crude oil in the Escravos area of Delta State to Cameroon.

According to Buba, “the move to destroy rogue oil vessels comes as the government continues to combat the scourge of illegal oil bunkering and related criminal activities in the Niger Delta region.

“The troops of Operation Delta Safe and Operators of Tantita Surveillance contractors intercepted a vessel loaded with suspected stolen crude oil and arrested 12 suspects (a Ghanaian and 11 Nigerians) on July 7.”

By PRNigeria