Four suspected oil thieves have been arrested in Delta State following the interception of a vessel, MT Thor, allegedly laden with illegally sourced petroleum products, in a renewed crackdown on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The suspects were handed over at Koko Port, Delta State, by Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSNL), a firm engaged by the Federal Government for pipeline surveillance operations. They are currently facing trial for economic sabotage.
Speaking during the handover, the Executive Director of Operations at Tantita, Captain Warredi Enisouh, said the suspects were apprehended with an unspecified quantity of suspected illegally sourced petroleum products aboard the vessel.
According to a situation report released by the Special Prosecution Team (SPT) of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Product Theft, the interception occurred on 15 December 2025 around the Koko–Excravos axis of Delta State.
The report revealed that Tantita alerted the Head of Investigation of the SPT after intercepting the MT Thor, which was allegedly loaded with crude oil obtained through illicit means. It was further alleged that the vessel was being escorted by personnel of the Police Marine Unit, Delta State, who reportedly said they were acting on directives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel, now classified as an exhibit in an ongoing criminal probe, is linked to a jetty operated by Ebenco Global Services Limited. Investigators confirmed that documents and correspondence connected to the jetty were obtained and are currently under review.
“The owner of the jetty, Mr. Ebenezer, was contacted by investigators and reportedly provided additional documents, including court orders, which are also being analysed as part of the investigation,” the report stated.
On December 16, a joint investigation team led by the Head of Investigation of the SPT conducted a Joint Inspection Visit in Koko after an initial briefing at Tantita’s headquarters in Warri, which was also attended by the jetty owner.
During the inspection, investigators attempted to obtain samples from MT Thor, but were unable to do so immediately as the vessel had not yet arrived at the jetty, having been towed from an earlier location. While awaiting its arrival, the team inspected other suspected crude oil containers within the premises of Ebenco Global Links Limited, where samples were taken from a storage barge.
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The vessel later berthed at about 8:30 p.m. on December 16, prompting the joint team to adjourn sampling to the following day. As of December 17, investigators were reported to be en route to continue sample collection and conclude investigation procedures.
Receiving the suspects, Head of the Special Prosecution Team, Omar Sini, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to dismantle crude oil theft networks in the Niger Delta, assuring that all findings would be thoroughly examined and prosecuted in line with the law.
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