Brig.-Gen.Tukur Buratai, Commander of the 2 Brigade and Sector Two of the Joint Task Force, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, today adding that the Lagos registered vessels, Lady Theresa and Pecos Peters, were arrested between 17 and 18 October in Bonny area
The Lady Theresa vessel contained 60, 000 metric tonnes of diesel which was estimated by one of its crew members to have a street value of N11, 294 billion.
The crew member, who pleaded anonymity, said that the value for diesel fuel and diesel oil was not stable as it could vary based on density and temperature.
All the 16 crew members in the two vessels were Nigerians.
“This badge (Lady Theresa) was arrested transferring substance suspected to be illegally refined diesel. The JTF is taking appropriate investigations to see that anyone involved in encouraging oil theft is arrested and made to account for their actions. The market that encourages the stealing of crude and refining them illegally must also be stopped and when buyers are reduced, obviously, the urge and reason to steal would reduce. Those who take part in oil theft and illegal refining of crude oil to produce adulterated and substandard fuel should desist because in doing so; they will be helping the fight against oil theft, ” said a spokesman for Buratai.
Capt.Christian Okupe, who led soldiers during the operation, said the vessels were arrested because they did not have permit to transport petroleum products.
“This particular ship was arrested behind Light House; they claimed they anchored there for a purpose; they were not with a permit.
“Light-House is a famous place that we have been told that that’s where they (illegal marketers) anchored and probably at night move to wherever they are going for their illegal act.”
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