The pipeline surveillance security company, Tantita Security Services Limited has intercepted a large vessel called “MT Tura 11” carrying 150 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil on Escravos Sea in Delta State.
According to The Punch, the private security company which is run by the former militant leader High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a. Tompolo, detained the 500 metric tonne vessel early on Friday morning while conducting an illegal operation on the open sea near the Ondo State axis of the Niger Delta creeks.
Reports reveal that the security agents embarked on a week-long process of monitoring their movements until it was finally apprehended on Friday by using both technical and human intelligence.
The ship was purportedly once apprehended, with its cargo surrendered to the EFCC but apparently, miraculously escaped.
While speaking to reporters on Monday during an inspection of the intercepted vessel, anchored at Oporoza in Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, the Executive Director, Technical and Operations of Tantita Security Services, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, said the ship was arrested with 13 crew members during a sting operation.
He said, “Unknown to the offenders, we had been tracking the vessel’s movements till we ultimately catch her off the shore in Ondo State.
“The ship’s original name was Ali-Riza-Bey, but it was changed to “MT Tura 11″ to elude security agency’s sharp eyes,” according to Captain Enisuoh.
The security agencies were then praised for their cooperation in the effort to clean up the maritime domain of illegal activity.
As a result, the vessel was delivered to the military Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe which has the mandate to rid Niger Delta of all criminal acts.
