The Nigerian Navy, under its newly launched Operation Delta Sanity, has achieved a significant breakthrough with the apprehension of a syndicate comprising 13 crew members, including one Ghanaian and 12 Nigerians, aboard the Ghanaian-owned vessel Motor Tanker (MT) Sweet Miri on February 25, 2024.
The operation unfolded approximately 174 nautical miles (320 kilometers) off Nigeria’s coast, as the vessel, suspected of crude oil theft, attempted to evade detection by switching off its Automatic Identification System (AIS). This maneuver, in violation of the International Ships and Port Security Code (ISPS), prompted the Nigerian Navy to designate the vessel as a “Vessel of Interest” (VoI).
Utilizing its Maritime Domain Awareness infrastructure, the Nigerian Navy swiftly dispatched two patrol ships, Nigerian Navy Ship ABA and Nigerian Navy Ship SOKOTO, to intercept and interrogate MT Sweet Miri. Upon inspection, the vessel was found to be engaged in illegal activities, carrying an estimated 2 million liters of suspected crude oil without proper authorization.
In accordance with the directive of Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to conduct a thorough and independent investigation, relevant agencies have been informed for sample collection to determine the vessel’s culpability. This proactive measure aims to uncover and prosecute those responsible for economic sabotage.
Assuring the public of continued vigilance, the Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with maritime, security, and law enforcement agencies to monitor, evaluate, and intervene where infractions are suspected. Operation Delta Sanity remains steadfast in its resolve to uphold the nation’s laws and bring economic saboteurs to justice.
LV