Footage shows a Nigerian Mi-35 attack helicopter destroying a tanker vessel that had been used to steal oil from an offshore well.

According to reports, the vessel had been operating in "stealth mode" for over a decade. It had likely been stolen for the purpose of stealing and transporting oil.

The vessel was actually seized by a local paramilitary security company before the Nigerian Air Force was called in to destroy it.

Oil theft by means of untracked vessels is a common occurrence in the area. It often goes unchecked because corrupt government officials are receiving large bribes from the criminal organizations.

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Will Killmore

Will Killmore is a US Army combat infantry veteran and Purple Heart recipient. He has deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 172nd Stryker Brigade and 173rd Airborne Brigade. Following his time in service, he successfully pursued a certificate of journalism and has been a blogger for Funker530 since 2014. Follow Will’s bad takes on Twitter