MT Vinnalaris Operating Illegally In Nigeria's Waters For Past5 Years- Tantita

FIDELIS UGBOMEH

Head of Technical and Operations, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, has given fresh revelation on the 77meters Motor Tanker, MT Vinnalaris, which was arrested by the Nigerian Navy on December 7, 2023, saying, the vessel has been operating illegally on Nigeria's waters for the past 5 years.

He also disclosed that the Motor Tanker had changed its name four times in the last five years of its operation in Nigeria flagging first as Sierra Leonean in 2018.

Speaking on the "Morning Show" on Arise Television Enisuoh noted that Tantita had gotten Intelligence report on November 10, 2023 that the ship was departing Ghana into Nigeria with the intention to steal oil.

"The ship started stealing oil from Nigeria in 2018. We weren't present at that time. It departed Ghana with the intention to come and steal crude oil in Nigeria. This was around November 10, this year. We knew about it. We knew the ship is well-connected and we followed the ship till it switched off its electronic signature about three weeks ago.

"We had to create an umbrella over the Niger Delta region. And we kept monitoring. And let me tell you the history of the ship. First, Sierra Leonean flag stealing from Nigeria. Nobody could catch it. We were not here at the time. Second, it came closer to Nigeria, possibly scared of the previous administration's stand against this oil theft. It kept its flag as to believe.

"But see something very ironic, May this year, it changed its flag to Nigeria. How ironic. It must be connected to somebody who thinks he has won and can steal now. When we caught this particular ship, we followed it for over a month till we got intelligence that yes, it is illegal." he said

Enisuoh stated that the oil which was tapped from an oil well suspected to be from Consolidated oil, was facilitated by a Nigerian male whose phone number is known by Tantita and who is currently on the run.

He explained that the ship's management is registered at Odessa, Ukraine adding that there are layers to the story which TSSNL is still investigating.

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