…Officials say Nigeria’s output will increase in 10 days
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd and country top security agencies reportedly supervised the settling ablaze of the vessel loaded with illegal crude oil from Escravos near Warri, Delta state.
The oil taker, labeled MT Deinmo, with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) number 7210526, was said to be loaded with an unspecified quantity of crude oil at the time of the arrest last weekend, with an 8-man, all-Nigeria crew.
The Whistler online, said last night the medium “witnessed at 2.04pm when the vessel was set on fire by security agencies in the presence of the group general manager of the National Petroleum Investments Management Services, Mr Bala Wunti.”
Speaking during an interview shortly after the destruction of the ship, Wunti said the rule of engagement has been strictly adhered to in carrying out the exercise.
Also Read: Nigeria’s Oil Exports Hit Record Low, Amidst Lingering Massive Oil Theft
He said if the vessel was not destroyed, those operating it will continue to find a way to use such illegal operation as a platform to sabotage Nigeria’s economy.
He said, “If those vessels are not destroyed, they will destroy Nigeria. So it is a decision that needs to be done. Anything that touches on the fabric of Nigerian security must be dealt with in line with the rule of engagement so, the rule of engagement is quite clear.
When asked why the issue of crude oil theft was left to linger for this long without being addressed, Wunti explained that the crisis has reached an unprecedented level that must be tackled with utmost vigour.
“They say necessity is the mother of invention. In the history of the Nigerian oil and gas operations, this is the most unprecedented period that we have ever seen. I have been in this industry for over 27 years and I can tell you I have never seen anything like this. The situation that we are in today compelled every player to come together and collaborate.
Also Read: NNPC Recommends Stiffer Sanctions, Legal Framework to Combat Oil Theft
“Hitherto, everybody was going his own way but we have realized that together we are stronger, together we can be in a better position to confront this menace and I think that is where we are.
“That is what led to the group chief executive officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr Mele Kyari setting up industry wide security architecture which is anchored around four thematic angles. For example today, one of the contractors, Tantita Security Service is the one that made this apprehension.
“Hitherto, we didn’t have this. We have been operating in a silo and that silo has broken down. We are now deploying technology at all levels. We have a command and control centre and in that control centre, we are able to see all the activities that is happening.
“We carry out detection, we witness the deterrence and we respond quickly through our incidence response reporting portal and security agencies are able to respond quickly together with the private security contractors to apprehend whatever that is happening.”
Also Read: Oil Theft: ActionAid, BudgIT, CSJ Demand End To N6.272trn Revenue Loss
With the successes so far recorded in the fight against crude oil thieves, Wunti expressed optimism that the country will soon start seeing massive increase in oil production within ten days
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