The Motor Tanker (MT) Lady Martina, recently intercepted on suspicion of carrying illegally sourced crude oil, has been cleared of the allegations after a laboratory analysis confirmed it was laden with High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO). The report, conducted by Trust Inspection Services Limited, revealed that the vessel was carrying 445,814 liters of HPFO, part of an approved load of 629,000 liters sourced from Aradel Refineries Ltd in Rivers State.
The vessel, which set sail from the Naval Shipyard Limited to Bonny, encountered armed men around Owogono community near the Onne waterways. The attackers, reportedly dressed in black and armed with weapons and charms, forced the captain to divert the tanker toward Okrika.
Following distress signals observed through maritime surveillance systems, the Nigerian Navy dispatched two gunboats to the scene. Upon arrival, the navy encountered seven armed individuals claiming to be members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL).
During questioning, the leader of the NSCDC team admitted that they were acting under Tantita’s instructions and not the Rivers State Command. A Tantita representative, identified as “Delta Force,” later claimed the vessel was arrested on suspicion of loading crude oil from unauthorized sources without a security escort.
However, multiple tests conducted by Trust Inspection Services Ltd confirmed the product onboard was HPFO, not crude oil. Despite attempts by militants to board the vessel, the navy maintained control, securing its release and escorting it to Bonny to continue its legitimate operations.
The Nigerian Navy criticized the allegations of misconduct, labeling them as diversionary tactics aimed at undermining its efforts to combat maritime crimes. A source within the navy suggested that recent criticisms from Government Tompolo and Tantita might be linked to internal rivalries over pipeline surveillance contracts, which are divided among three private companies, including Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), Matin Engineering, and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
The incident underscores the importance of due process and transparency in the handling of maritime security operations, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for accountability to avoid unwarranted disruptions in legitimate business activities.
Source: voiceofmasses