Nov. 2, 2023

The joint military taskforce, “Operation Delta Safe” (OPDS) impounded a vessel, MV Mother Mary I on Sunday, laden with 300,000 litres of illegally refined diesel.

OPDS impounded the vessel at the Federal Ocean Terminal in Onne, Eleme Council Area of Rivers and arrested its two crew members on Bonny River.

Component Commander at the OPDS, Commodore John Siyanbade, told newsmen at Onne near Port Harcourt on Thursday that the petroleum product was stored in black giant plastic tanks.

He said before the Sunday incident, OPDS had impounded two vessels, MV Cecilia and MV Ufuoma, which were being used for illegal activities.

OPDS impounded MV Ufuoma in July on Abuloma River.

Siyanbade said investigation showed that MV Cecilia, MV Abuloma and similar other vessels were being used as storage tanks for illegally refined diesel.

He added that it was also found that other vessels, tankers and corporate organisations patronised the storage vessels for the supply of illegally refined petroleum products.

He assured that those arrested would be handed over to appropriate authorities for possible prosecution.

Siyanbade enjoined those indulging in crude oil theft, illegal refining and aligned illegalities to stop and to look for legitimate businesses to do or be prepared to face the full wrath of the law. (NAN)