Nigerian and Cameroonian Naval Forces Join Forces to Intercept Vessel Carrying 30,000 Liters of Stolen Crude

The Nigerian and Cameroonian naval forces successfully intercepted a vessel laden with 30,000 liters of crude oil suspected to have been stolen from Nigeria.

The operation took place on February 24, 2024, and was led by the Nigerian Navy’s Commander, NNS Victory, Commodore Rotimi Oderemi.

The interception of the vessel, MV Jasmine, was the result of a collaborative effort between the Nigerian and Cameroonian naval forces, with the Nigerian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command Centre providing credible intelligence.

A Nigerian Navy patrol boat, NNS Ekulu, was dispatched to intercept the vessel and interrogate its crew.

Upon noticing the NNS Ekulu, the MV Jasmine attempted to flee into international waters between Nigeria and Cameroon.

However, due to the collaboration and support of the Cameroonian Navy, the vessel was eventually intercepted and brought to Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, with eight Nigerian crew members on board.

Commodore Oderemi emphasized the significance of this interception, stating that 30,000 liters of crude oil is a substantial volume, which could fetch approximately N40 million in the international crude oil market.

He further stated that this successful operation should serve as a warning to other criminals in Nigerian waters that the Nigerian Navy is committed to preventing illegal activities.

The captain of the intercepted vessel, Mr. Pere-Ebiye Abraham, claimed ownership of the vessel and admitted to engaging in illegal bunkering due to financial hardship.

He mentioned that he had previously used the vessel to transport planks from Nembe Waterside in Rivers but had to switch to illegal bunkering when that business declined.

This joint operation between the Nigerian and Cameroonian naval forces highlights the importance of collaboration in combating oil theft and other maritime crimes.

It also demonstrates the commitment of both countries to ensuring the security of their territorial waters and protecting their natural resources.