The Nigerian Navy has recorded another major breakthrough in its anti-crude oil theft campaign with the interception of a vessel allegedly involved in illegal fuel oil and crude oil siphoning in Akwa Ibom State.
The operation, conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, led to the arrest of 12 crew members and the seizure of large quantities of suspected stolen petroleum products.
In a statement, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said; “following credible intelligence generated through the Nigerian Navy’s surveillance systems and sustained monitoring by naval platforms deployed under Operation DELTA SENTINEl, the operation was carried out.”
According to the statement, “naval personnel intercepted the vessel, MT FILIA, at the UTUE Terminal in Akwa Ibom while it was allegedly siphoning crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket.”
Investigations
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 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.
He reaffirmed “the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to eliminate crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other maritime crimes threatening Nigeria’s economy and national security.”
He noted that Operation DELTA SENTINEL continues to achieve significant results through intelligence-driven operations, persistent surveillance and collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders.
The Navy recalled that between April and June 2026, Operation DELTA SENTINEL 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, while arresting over 91 suspects linked to crude oil theft.
According to the statement, “these achievements coincided with Nigeria’s crude oil production rising 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 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 that would assist security agencies in combating crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
