Edward clarified that the ship, bearing IMO Number 9304667, neither sailed under the Nigerian flag nor appeared on Nigeria’s shipping registry. He added that the alleged owners, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, had no registration with NIMASA as a shipping company.
The agency’s response followed widespread media reports claiming that the Skipper had Nigerian links and was allegedly involved in crude oil theft and other cross-border crimes before its interception by U.S. authorities.
“Analysis from our Comand, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence (C4i) Centre shows that the vessel was last sighted in Nigerian waters on July 1, 2024.
“It proceeded on an international voyage, operating in the Arabian Sea and later in the Caribbean, where it was eventually intercepted.
“Records indicate that the vessel was formerly owned by Triton Navigation Corp and has undergone multiple name changes over time, underscoring that it has no current ownership or registration ties to Nigeria,” he said.
Meanwhile, NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reiterated Nigeria’s resolve to keep its maritime space secure and transparent. He stressed that the agency remains committed to working hand-in-glove with international partners, including U.S. authorities, as investigations continue.
