NSCDC Restates Commitment To Partner Sister Security Agencies, Private Security to Combat Oil Theft

Ogheneruona Tejiri, Oporoza

Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has restated it’s commitment to partner sister agencies and private security outfits to combat oil theft in the country.

This was disclosed by CC. Suleimon Jimoh, NSCDC, Commandant, Delta Command on Wednesday shortly after he had inspected the impounded MT KALI vessel in Oporoza, Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state.

Flanked by some officers of the Command, CC.Jimoh expressed joy at the feat and urged his men to sustain the tempo, geared towards eradicating oil theft in the country.

Recall that MT KALI vessel was arrested last Thursday at Peniton Oil Field in Bayelsa State.

The arrest was made in a joint operation by the officials of the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The vessel, laden with about 119 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil was consequently moved to Oporoza, operational headquarters of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL)for anchorage while investigation continues.

Also arrested alongside the vessel were 23 suspects excluding one that allegedly jumped into the sea.

Addressing newsmen on Sunday in the development, Capt. Wariedi Enisuoh. Executive Director, Operations, Technical of TSSNL
said that the vessel was seized on Thursday while criminally siphoning crude oil from a platform operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

Capt. Enisuoh explained that the vessel had been on the watch list of the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) following intelligence gathering.

Accordng to Capt. Enisuoh, “precisely, few weeks ago, we have been interested in MT Kali because it has been operating in Nigeria and the International waters illegally carrying crude oil and Automated Gas Oil(AGO).

“This time around, it was unable to carryout it’s act successfully. Intelligence came to us, we processed and shared it on the need-to-know basis so that the operation will be successful.

“The ship left Lagos couple of days ago and switched off its AIS. Then we knew it was coming to the Niger Delta

“Further intelligence revealed that it was coming to Penitin Oil Field to load illegal crude oil in Bayelsa State.

“On getting to the environment, we alerted our base at Sokebolou in Bayelsa where the operation was launched,” he said.

On arrival, the NSCDC was able to help them in overpowering the suspects and get them arrested alongside the vessel.

Capt. Enisuoh who expressed displeasure over the activities of the oil thieves, declared those campaigning against private security companies participation in the fight against oil theft the “bunkerers”

He said that the exercise would not have been successful if not for the support of the security agents, notably the NSCDC.

He commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited for taking the bold step to eradicate oil theft.

He also observed that the development had boosted investors confidence, reduce sooth and other environmental hazards in the Niger Delta region.

In same vein, President Bola Tinubu on Monday sent a high-power delegation from the military and the NNPCL to inspect the vessel.

The delegation was led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa.

Tinubu lauded the TSSNL and the NSCDC for the success and promised a better collaboration between the private security outfits and the federal government security forces.