The United States Coast Guard and Navy have intercepted a Nigerian-owned supertanker, the Skipper, over allegations of crude oil theft, piracy, and transnational crimes. The Very Large Crude Carrier was illegally flying the Guyanese flag, which that country’s Maritime Administration confirmed was unauthorized. US security sources, citing President Donald Trump’s announcement, said the vessel is also suspected of transporting hard drugs and being linked to Iranian and Islamist money-laundering networks.
The vessel is reportedly owned by Nigeria-based Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd., though registered to the Marshall Islands. Checks show Thomarose is an inactive company in Nigeria with no valid contact details. Maritime experts reacted with concern, with Engr. Akin Olaniyan stating, “If the vessel emanated from Nigeria, it suggests our Port State Control is practically non-existent.”
The seizure highlights ongoing issues with oil theft, following a NEITI report that Nigeria lost 13.5 million barrels worth $3.3 billion to theft and sabotage between 2023 and 2024. Industry groups, including OGSPAN and SOAN, expressed surprise or declined immediate comment, while NIMASA stated it had no official information on the incident.
At the time of the interception, the tanker was allegedly flying the Guyanese flag without authorisation. Officials from Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) confirmed that Skipper does not appear in the country’s ship registry, describing the vessel’s use of the flag as both illegal and deceptive.
Flag-switching, often called “flag hopping,” is a common tactic used by ships attempting to evade regulations, trade sanctions, or detection by maritime authorities.
U.S. security officials said the seizure was conducted under American law enforcement authority after a multi-agency investigation raised alarms about the tanker’s movements and cargo records.