NIGERIA (Bayelsa) – The Central Naval Command (CNC) of the Nigerian Navy in Bayelsa State has intercepted two vessels laden with 2.111 million litres of crude oil valued at N2.4 billion.

Also, about 21 suspected oil thieves were arrested in connection with the illegal oil vessels which was seized along the waterways and creeks of Agbami Oil field and Obi Creeks in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in the state.

According to a statement signed by the Flag Officer Commanding CNC, Rear Admiral Hassan Usman, one of the vessels, MT Eli Tank, could not produce the necessary permit for the lifting of the crude oil.

 “They were unable to tender relevant documents such as Nigerian Port Authority bunkering permit and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s nomination for crude oil lifting.

“And they lack the certificate of registration with the Joint Military Task (JTF) and did not have the approval for the movement of petroleum products within the command area of responsibility,” he said.

The Navy also vowed to sustain the waterways and creek surveillance in the Niger Delta region.