Navy Arrest 25, Seize 2 Vessels In Bayelsa

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25 persons suspected to have been involved in illegal bunkering and crude oil theft along the waterways of Brass In Bayelsa State have been arrested by the Nigerian Navy. Two vessels were also seized.

According to the Navy, the two seized vessels identified as MV Hanan and MV Alezza Lilah, had 14 Nigerians, One Ghanaian and a Cameroonian on board with over 300,000 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil.
In a statement issued at the weekend, during the handing over ceremony, Navy Commanding Officer, FOB FORMOSO, Captain Noel Madugu said the MV HANAN L had nine crew on board, all Nigerians, MV ALEZZA LILAH had 16-member crew comprising 14 Nigerians, one Ghanian and one Cameroonian.
“The MV HANAN L was intercepted by NNS Obula at 23 nautical miles, South West of Pennington when her actions became suspicious.The vessel with her crew of nine persons was arrested owing to the presence of Automotive Gas Oil on board,” said Navy Capt. Madugu.


Bewaji O.O, captain; Obamuwagin A; Ayenamelo Sunday; Joseph Omope; John Ezen; Emmanuel Bassey; Uwem Francis; Kingsley Ayobi and Fred Amabebe were named by Madugu as the oil thieves.
According to him, the vessel had six tanks fully loaded with AGO but had no bunkering approval on board as of the time of arrest.


“The crew claimed the approval, other documents and other valuables were taken from the vessel by sea pirates when they were attacked. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the vessel was operating on behalf of Danyomile Marine Services Limited of Suite 1, LSDPC Shopping Complex, Agege, Lagos State.
The document claims MV HANAN L was granted approval to load 70 metric tonnes of AGO from Petrostar Nigeria Ltd storage tank in Port Harcourt.