NIGER DELTA OIL THEFT CRACKDOWN: FOUR SUSPECTS ARRESTED OVER MT THOR VESSEL BY TANTITA OPERATIVES

 



By Ambrose Obioma Okehi

( News Emperor ) 



Four suspected oil thieves have been arrested in Delta State as authorities intensify efforts to combat economic sabotage in Nigeria's Niger Delta region. The suspects, apprehended onboard MT Thor, are facing trial for allegedly transporting illegally sourced petroleum products.


The arrest, announced at Koko Port in Delta State, was carried out by Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSNL), a pipeline surveillance firm. Executive Director of Operations at Tantita, Captain Warredi Enisouh, stated that the vessel was intercepted on December 15, 2025, with an unspecified quantity of suspected crude oil.


According to a situation report by the Special Prosecution Team (SPT) of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Product Theft, MT Thor was intercepted around the Koko-Excravos axis of Delta State. The vessel was allegedly laden with crude oil obtained through illicit means and was being escorted by personnel of the Police Marine Unit, Delta State, who claimed to be acting on directives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID) Abuja.


Preliminary investigations revealed that MT Thor is linked to a jetty operated by Ebenco Global Services Limited. Documents and correspondence connected to the jetty were obtained and are currently under review. The owner of the jetty, Mr. Ebenezer, reportedly provided additional documents, including court orders, which are being analyzed as part of the investigation.


On December 16, a joint investigation team led by the Head of Investigation of the SPT conducted a Joint Inspection Visit in Koko. The team inspected containers suspected to be carrying crude oil within Ebenco Global Links Limited premises, taking samples from a storage barge. MT Thor berthed at about 8:30 p.m. on December 16, and sampling procedures were adjourned to the following day.


Head of the Special Prosecution Team, Omar Sini, reaffirmed the Federal Government's resolve to dismantle crude oil theft networks in the Niger Delta, assuring thorough examination and prosecution of findings. "The Federal Government is committed to eradicating crude oil theft and ensuring that those involved face the full force of the law," Sini stated.


The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of their involvement in the illicit oil trade. The case highlights the Nigerian government's efforts to combat oil theft and protect the country's natural resources.

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