Tantita Security presents report on N/Delta oil stealing syndicate to NASS
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources of the Senate and House of Representatives was presented with a disturbing report detailing how a sophisticated illegal export channel has been funnelling vast quantities of stolen Nigerian crude to offshore vessels.
The report, submitted by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), exposes a shadow economy operating through clandestine jetties and wooden boat networks under the cover of darkness and mangrove forest canopies.
The joint committee was told that Tantita’s marine patrol teams, during expanded operations across the Niger Delta waterways, intercepted multiple boats specifically designed for ferrying stolen crude.
“These vessels are not ordinary fishing boats pressed into occasional criminal service but rather purpose-built craft optimised for the unique demands of stealth petroleum transport,” the report stated.
According to testimony, hundreds of sacks filled with crude oil and condensate were discovered awaiting shipment at hidden locations.
The report described these jetties as “rudimentary but functional, built from local materials in a manner that allowed them to blend into the surrounding environment.”
Perhaps most alarming is the revelation that these operations function as a complete parallel crude oil marketing system.
“Ships loitering in international waters send smaller vessels to collect stolen crude from the clandestine jetties,” the report explained.
“These ships, reportedly seeking discounted Nigerian crude, then transport the illicit cargo to refineries and markets around the world, depriving Nigeria of billions of dollars in legitimate revenue.”
The committee heard chilling testimony about the scale of the trade, with wooden “banana boats” – so named for their long, narrow design – capable of transporting significant quantities per trip.
“Multiple trips per night, coordinated across multiple jetties, can result in the movement of tens of thousands of barrels of stolen crude to offshore vessels over the course of a single week,” the report noted.
Committee members were shown evidence of how criminal networks have optimised every aspect of their supply chain.
The boats are constructed from lightweight materials to navigate shallow waters, with crews trained in evasion techniques.
“The entire operation runs with a level of logistical coordination that would be impressive in any legitimate commercial enterprise,” the report added.
The joint committee has, therefore, called for enhanced international cooperation, recommending that Nigeria work with regional and global partners to identify and interdict the receiving vessels.
