Nigerian Navy Arrests Vessel Over Alleged Crude Oil Theft in Akwa Ibom
The Nigerian Navy has recorded another major operational success under Operation DELTA SENTINEL with the interception and arrest of a vessel allegedly involved in crude oil theft within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, July 23, 2026, followed credible intelligence generated through the Nigerian Navy’s surveillance systems and sustained monitoring by naval platforms deployed under the operation.
Acting on the intelligence, naval personnel intercepted the vessel, MT FILIA, at UTUE Terminal in Akwa Ibom State, where it was allegedly siphoning stolen crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket.
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 authorization.
The Nigerian Navy subsequently arrested the vessel, its 12-member crew, and seized the recovered products for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with existing laws.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, praised their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication. He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to eliminating crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other maritime crimes that threaten Nigeria’s economy and national security.
Vice Admiral Abbas noted that Operation DELTA SENTINEL, established to combat crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage, continues to record significant achievements through intelligence-driven operations, persistent maritime surveillance, and collaboration with other security agencies and key stakeholders.
He recalled that between April and June 2026, the Nigerian Navy 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 91 suspects linked to crude oil theft under the operation.
According to the Navy, these achievements coincided with Nigeria’s increase in crude oil production to 1.89 million barrels per day in July 2026, exceeding the country’s OPEC production quota.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure, enhancing maritime security, and supporting national efforts to boost crude oil production and economic growth.
The Navy also urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence that will assist security agencies in tackling crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
