The Nigerian Navy has pledged to apprehend and prosecute the owners of a seized vessel allegedly involved in illegal oil bunkering who are currently at large.

The Navy insists the ship, MV Cecelia, was engaged in oil theft despite denials by the owner, Soljas Limited CEO Jasper Ako. Ako claims the aluminum boat has a 45,000 liter capacity, not the 350,000 liters stated by the Navy, and was wrongly destroyed last week.

But the Navy says though inactive for two years, MV Cecelia was serving as a storage facility for illegally refined diesel when it was impounded at a jetty in Port Harcourt on August 15th. Samples tested positive for illicit fuel.

The Navy states it is common practice for owners linked to bunkering vessels to flee and abandon ships to avoid costs, posing environmental and navigation hazards. Three suspects have been arrested so far and made statements about MV Cecelia receiving stolen oil products.

Spokesman Ayo-Vaughan said its seizure represents progress in renewed efforts to combat theft devastating Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta. The Navy will continue exercising its mandate to destroy platforms used in illegal bunkering activities.

He dismissed accusations of wrongly targeting MV Cecelia, stressing that approving storage sites is communicated by regulators. The Navy claims impounded ships are usually laden with stolen oil despite owners feigning ignorance.

Tracking down culpable owners who disappear after seizures remains an enforcement priority. The Navy has promised to identify and apprehend those orchestrating the abandoned MV Cecelia’s illicit operations to face charges.