JTF Partners NIMASA on vessels’ documentation

The Joint Task Force (JTF), codenamed “Operation Pulo Shield” which is domiciled in the Niger Delta, has said that it is making arrangement to commence security documentation and registration of all vessels, barges and motorised boats plying the waterways of the Niger Delta, in collaboration with the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The Joint Task Force (JTF), codenamed “Operation Pulo Shield” which is domiciled in the Niger Delta, has said that it is making arrangement to commence security documentation and registration of all vessels, barges and motorised boats plying the waterways of the Niger Delta, in collaboration with the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Commander of Major-General Johnson Ochoga, who disclosed this in Yenegoa , Bayelsa state  acknowledged that there is lack of diligent prosecution of arrested oil theft suspects and the use of unregistered vessels by illegal Bunkerers.
He added that the partnership with NIMASA is aimed at ensuring the various sharp practices in the maritime oil and gas sector are nipped in the bud, even as he disclosed that economic saboteurs had deployed the use of fake loading permits to steal the crude oil
 “Towards addressing these challenges and as part of the overall strategy of the government to combat oil theft and other acts of economic sabotage, JTF, in synergy with NIMASA, has been directed to kick start documentation and registration of vessels, barges and boats,” Major-General Ochoga said.
He explained that the registration exercise will last between June 26 and end by July 12, 2012 after which “a data bank of all vessels and barges, including details of their owners, will be available to aid identification of syndicates behind oil theft and subsequent prosecution.”
The JTF boss also added that so far, the body has  destroyed 802 illegal refineries, 21 oil vessels, 85 barges, 293 Cotonou boats and surface tanks with total capacity of 17,501,320 litres in the Niger Delta over the last five months.