The Nigerian Navy has intercepted two vessels, MT Mkpodu and MT Westaf AF, loaded with more than 939 metric tonnes of suspected stolen crude oil valued at over ₦4 billion, in a major crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta.
A total of 26 crew members were arrested during the operation, which was confirmed by Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, Commander of Operation Delta Safe, while speaking to journalists in Calabar.
Oladipo said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence received shortly after midnight on 8 April, leading to the vessels being tracked and apprehended at a wellhead within the Calabar/Akwa Ibom operational zone. One of the tankers, MT Mkpodu, was caught in the act of siphoning crude oil.
He described the operation as a strong signal of the Navy’s resolve to combat oil theft and economic sabotage, adding that it was carried out with support from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Defence Headquarters.
Naval and air assets were swiftly deployed, including Nigerian Navy Ship NNS SHERE and a naval helicopter, which provided real-time aerial surveillance as the vessels were secured offshore. The ships were later escorted to base with assistance from additional naval units.
Oladipo revealed that a similar operation on 10 April led to the arrest of another vessel, MT Steliosk, highlighting what he described as growing momentum in the fight against crude oil theft through joint military collaboration.
Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, commended the operation and reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment under Vice Admiral Idi Abbas to intensify efforts against criminal activity in Nigeria’s waters.