Nigerian Task Force Arrests, Destroys Illegal Bunker Barge

 

Nigerian soldiers have arrested a bunker barge in the Niger Delta on suspicion of containing a large amount of illegally refined fuel oil, The Nigerian Times reports.
The vessel had four compartments fully loaded with fuel oil when apprehended by the soldiers, who are attached to the Anti-Illegal Oil Bunkering and Oil Theft Joint Task Force (JTF), following a tip off.
It is understood that the oil was loaded from an illegal refining facility along the Alakiri waterways in Rivers State.

"The eagle eyes of the JTF troops on a tip off, followed up and apprehended the barge on its way to the sea," said Major General Emmanuel Atewe, JTF Commander.

"The Barge and the products were towed to a safer place and destroyed in situ."

The JTF Commander also issued a warning to vessel owners to fully check the purpose to which their vessels will be put.

He said the force had a zero tolerance policy and would destroy vessels and prosecute those suspected of involvement in oil related crimes.

Earlier this year the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) announced plans to start a state owned bunkering business.