Reps To Investigate Burning Of Illegal Oil Vessel By Navy

The House of Representatives has demanded an investigation into the burning of an illegal oil vessel that was captured by Tompolo's security team and handed over to the Nigerian Navy

The House decided that it was necessary to look into the facts and motives behind the illicit oil bunkering vessel's destruction rather than keeping it for use as evidence in court.

This resolution followed Luke Onofiok's motion on Wednesday, which was of urgent public significance.

Onofiok, who moved the motion, argued that the oil theft had an impact on the economy and the environment over the previous few months.

He noted that oil theft has caused the “country to lose 470, 000 barrels per day amounting to 700 million dollars monthly, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.”

Onofiok also praised Tantita Security Services' quick action in stopping oil theft, which resulted in the capture of an illegal oil bunkering vessel and the delivery of it to the security agency.

However, he voiced his concern regarding the security agencies' burning of the vessel.

Onofiok emphasised that the ship would have provided crucial evidence in prosecuting the offenders.

According to Deputy Speaker Idris Wase, the House is committed to using all available resources to address the threat of oil theft in response to the motion.

He said the legislative branch supports the executive.