The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has issued a statement clarifying that the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Skipper, recently intercepted by the United States Coast Guard and U.S. Navy, is not a Nigerian-flagged vessel and has no ownership ties to Nigeria. This follows media reports that alleged the vessel was Nigerian-owned and involved in crude oil theft and other transnational crimes.

In the statement, NIMASA, through its Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, explained that the VLCC Skipper (IMO Number 9304667) is not registered under the Nigerian flag. Furthermore, the vessel’s purported owner, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, is not listed with NIMASA as a registered Nigerian shipping company.

Details of the Arrest

The Skipper was last tracked in Nigerian waters on July 1, 2024. After leaving Nigeria, the vessel followed an international sailing pattern, operating in the Arabian Sea before moving toward the Caribbean region. It was in this region that the U.S. authorities carried out the interdiction.

NIMASA clarified that, while the vessel had been in Nigerian waters at some point, it has no direct association with Nigerian maritime law. The agency emphasized that the ship, previously owned by Triton Navigation Corp, had undergone multiple name changes and no longer held any Nigerian ownership.

NIMASA’s Response and Continued Cooperation

NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reiterated the agency’s commitment to collaborating with international maritime authorities, including U.S. officials, to combat illicit activities in global waters. Mobereola further assured the public that NIMASA would continue to monitor and take action against any illegal operations within Nigerian waters.

The agency’s Command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence (C4i) Centre has been instrumental in tracking the vessel’s movements and providing real-time data on its location and activities. The center’s records confirmed the vessel’s departure from Nigeria before proceeding on its international route.

Conclusion

NIMASA’s clarification serves to dispel rumors and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to maritime security. The agency stated that criminal activities, such as oil theft and other unlawful practices, will not be tolerated in Nigeria’s maritime domain, and international cooperation remains key in maintaining order and accountability in global shipping operations.