The Nigerian Navy said it has scored another major victory in its escalating war against crude oil theft after intercepting a vessel allegedly caught siphoning crude oil and illegally transporting petroleum products in Akwa Ibom State.
The operation, carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, resulted in the arrest of 12 crew members and the seizure of hundreds of tonnes of suspected stolen petroleum products.
According to the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation followed credible intelligence generated through the Nigerian Navy’s surveillance systems and sustained monitoring by naval platforms deployed under the operation.
Naval personnel intercepted MT FILIA at the UTUE Terminal in Akwa Ibom while it was allegedly siphoning crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket, the Navy said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel was carrying an estimated 32.82 metric tonnes of fuel oil and 650 metric tonnes of crude oil without the required documentation or lawful authorisation.
The vessel, its 12-member crew and the recovered cargo have since been taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Commending the personnel involved, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, praised their professionalism, vigilance and dedication, while reaffirming the Nigerian Navy’s determination to eliminate crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other maritime crimes threatening Nigeria’s economy and national security.
He said Operation DELTA SENTINEL was continuing to deliver significant results through intelligence-led operations, persistent surveillance and collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders.
Between April and June 2026, the operation recovered more than 4.7 million litres of petroleum products, deactivated over 58 illegal refining sites, destroyed more than 239 dugout pits and 13 refining ovens, and led to the arrest of more than 91 suspects linked to crude oil theft.
The Navy said the crackdown came as Nigeria’s crude oil production rose to 1.89 million barrels per day in July 2026, exceeding the country’s OPEC production quota.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure, supporting increased crude oil production and maintaining a secure maritime environment.
It also urged members of the public to provide credible information to security agencies to help combat crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.