Troops of the Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have intercepted and arrested two motor tankers, MKPODU and WESTAF, over alleged involvement in crude oil theft within the Calabar–Akwa Ibom maritime corridor.
According to a statement, the operation took place on the night of Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at about 11:45pm, following what authorities described as credible intelligence. The vessels, with 26 crew members on board, were reportedly caught within a wellhead area under joint OPDS and Eastern Naval Command jurisdiction.
“Motor Tanker MKPODU was arrested at latitude four degrees twelve minutes thirty-eight-point fourty seconds north, longitude 8 degrees fourteen minutes fifty-four point eighty-nine seconds east (04012’ 38.40’’N long 08014’54.89’’E) while deep in the process of siphoning the crude,” the statement said.
The tanker was found carrying an estimated 480 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil at the time of arrest. Motor Tanker WESTAF was also intercepted at nearby coordinates and allegedly found with about 459 metric tons of suspected crude oil.
Following the arrests, Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE and a Nigerian Navy 410 Helicopter were deployed to the scene for surveillance and custody operations. The helicopter provided aerial imagery, while the ship secured both vessels offshore before they were later transferred to the Navy jetty in Calabar with the assistance of Nigerian Navy Ship OSE and Forward Operating Base Ibaka elements.
The Navy said a third vessel, Motor Tanker STELIOS K, was also arrested on April 10 by Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA in a related operation, following preliminary investigations.
Speaking during the parade of suspects at Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY jetty, the Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, said the operation reflects sustained efforts to combat oil theft and protect critical national assets.
He said the success of the operation was made possible through collaboration between the armed forces and intelligence support. “The involvement of the Nigerian Navy vessels and resources as well as Nigerian Air Force assets is instrumental to the success of the operation,” he said.
Rear Admiral Oladipo added that the task force would continue efforts to disrupt oil theft networks, describing the activity as a major drain on the national economy.
The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, also confirmed ongoing operations, saying another vessel had been arrested in Bonny while three others were being tracked.
The Navy said the arrests underscore continued inter-agency efforts to curb crude oil theft and secure Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta region.
