- “Operation Delta Safe” (OPDS) captures MV Mother Mary I with 300,000 liters of illegally refined diesel at the Federal Ocean Terminal in Rivers
- The vessel seizure is part of OPDS’s ongoing mission to combat illegal activities and unlawful petroleum product distribution in the region
The joint military task force, “Operation Delta Safe” (OPDS), apprehended the vessel MV Mother Mary I, which was carrying 300,000 liters of illegally refined diesel. The vessel was seized at the Federal Ocean Terminal in Onne, Eleme Council Area of Rivers, and two crew members were arrested on Bonny River.
Commodore John Siyanbade, the Component Commander at OPDS, addressed the media in Onne, near Port Harcourt on Thursday, revealing that the illicit petroleum product was stored in large black plastic tanks. This recent incident follows the impounding of two other vessels, MV Cecilia and MV Ufuoma, which were discovered to be involved in illegal activities.
MV Ufuoma was seized in July on the Abuloma River. Investigations conducted by OPDS revealed that MV Cecilia, MV Abuloma, and similar vessels were being used as storage tanks for illegally refined diesel. It was also discovered that various vessels, tankers, and corporate organizations were utilizing these storage vessels for the supply of unlawfully refined petroleum products.
Commodore Siyanbade assured that those who were apprehended would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for potential prosecution. This operation signifies an ongoing effort to combat illegal activities in the region and prevent the proliferation of unlawfully refined petroleum products.