The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, operating under Operation Delta Sanity, intercepted a vessel, the motor tanker SWEET MIRI, suspected of clandestinely transporting 2 million litres of stolen crude oil to the Benin Republic.
The interception led to the arrest of thirteen individuals, including a Ghanaian national, believed to be involved in the illegal fuel trade.
The Nigerian Navy divulged this critical development on Saturday evening, March 2, 2024. Rear Admiral MB Hassan, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command, provided detailed insights to journalists gathered aboard the vessel, underlining the extensive surveillance efforts that led to the interception.
According to Rear Admiral Hassan, the SWEET MIRI had been under the Navy’s watchful eye due to suspicious activities associated with crude oil theft. On February 25, 2024, the vessel attempted to evade detection by disabling its Automatic Identification System, signaling its complicity in illicit activities.
The interception occurred approximately 174 nautical miles off the Nigerian coast, equivalent to around 320 kilometers, as the vessel was en route to the Benin Republic.
This strategic maneuver necessitated the deployment of Nigerian Navy Ship ABA to conduct a thorough investigation into the vessel’s activities.
Upon boarding and inspection, suspicions were confirmed as the vessel was found to be laden with products consistent with stolen crude oil. Subsequently, NNS SOKOTO was swiftly dispatched to reinforce the operation and interdict the vessel.
Upon closer scrutiny, it was revealed that the SWEET MIRI was illicitly carrying approximately 2 million litres of suspected contraband fuel, highlighting the audacity of the illicit trade network operating within the region.
The arrested individuals, including the Ghanaian national, are now in custody awaiting further legal proceedings as the Nigerian Navy intensifies efforts to combat maritime crime and safeguard national interests.
