Nigerian Navy Arrests Vessel, Crew Over Alleged Crude Oil Theft in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Navy has recorded another breakthrough in its anti-crude oil theft campaign with the arrest of a vessel allegedly involved in the illegal siphoning of crude oil at the UTUE Terminal in Akwa Ibom State.

The operation, conducted in the early hours of Thursday, July 23, 2026, was carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL following credible intelligence generated through the Navy's surveillance systems and sustained monitoring of Nigeria's maritime domain.

In a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy disclosed that its personnel intercepted the vessel, MT FILIA, while it was allegedly siphoning stolen crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel was conveying about 32.82 metric tonnes of fuel oil and 650 metric tonnes of crude oil without the required documentation or lawful authorisation.

The Navy said the vessel, its 12-member crew, and the recovered products have been taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with existing laws.

Commending the personnel involved in the operation, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, praised their professionalism, vigilance and commitment, describing the arrest as another demonstration of the Navy's resolve to stamp out crude oil theft and other forms of maritime crime.

He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Navy remains committed to eliminating crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities that threaten Nigeria's economic prosperity and national security.

The naval chief noted that Operation DELTA SENTINEL, launched to combat crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage, has continued to yield significant operational successes through intelligence-driven operations, persistent surveillance and collaboration with other security agencies and key stakeholders in the maritime sector.

The Navy recalled that between April and June 2026, personnel operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL recovered more than 4.7 million litres of petroleum products, dismantled 58 illegal refining sites, destroyed 239 dugout pits and 13 refining ovens, and arrested over 91 suspects linked to crude oil theft.

It added that the sustained operations coincided with Nigeria's crude oil production rising to 1.89 million barrels per day in July 2026, exceeding the country's production quota set by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to safeguarding critical oil and gas infrastructure, supporting increased crude oil production and ensuring a secure maritime environment that promotes economic growth. It also urged members of the public to provide credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing efforts against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.