The Nigerian Navy has arrested a vessel allegedly involved in crude oil theft in Akwa Ibom State, seizing an estimated 650 metric tonnes of crude oil and 32.82 metric tonnes of fuel oil during an intelligence-led operation under Operation Delta Sentinel.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the vessel, MT FILIA, was intercepted in the early hours of July 23 at the UTUE Terminal while allegedly siphoning crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket.
The statement said the operation followed credible intelligence generated through the Navy’s surveillance systems and sustained monitoring of activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel was transporting the crude oil and fuel oil without the required documentation or lawful authorisation.The vessel, its 12-member crew, and the recovered cargo have been taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The statement quoted the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, as commending the professionalism and vigilance of the personnel involved, while reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to eliminating crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of maritime crime.
It added that Operation Delta Sentinel continues to record significant successes through intelligence-driven operations, persistent surveillance and collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders in the maritime sector.
According to the statement, between April and June 2026, the operation led to the recovery of more than 4.7 million litres of petroleum products, the dismantling of 58 illegal refining sites, the destruction of 239 dugout pits and 13 refining ovens, and the arrest of 91 suspects linked to crude oil theft.
The Navy said the sustained crackdown has coincided with Nigeria’s crude oil production rising to 1.89 million barrels per day in July 2026, surpassing the country’s OPEC production quota.
It reiterated its commitment to protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure and urged members of the public to provide credible intelligence to support efforts to combat crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.