The Nigerian Navy has arrested a vessel allegedly involved in crude oil theft, seizing 650 metric tonnes of suspected stolen crude and 32.82 metric tonnes of fuel oil under Operation Delta Sentinel.
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted and arrested a vessel allegedly involved in crude oil theft, seizing hundreds of metric tonnes of suspected stolen petroleum products in what it described as another major breakthrough under Operation Delta Sentinel, its ongoing anti-oil theft campaign.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of July 23, 2026, followed intelligence gathered through the Navy’s surveillance systems and sustained monitoring of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Vessel intercepted during alleged crude oil siphoning
According to the Navy, personnel intercepted the vessel, MT FILIA, at the UTUE Terminal in Akwa Ibom State while it was allegedly siphoning crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the vessel was carrying approximately 650 metric tonnes of crude oil and 32.82 metric tonnes of fuel oil without the required documentation or lawful authorisation.
The vessel, its 12 crew members, and the recovered cargo have been taken into custody pending further investigation and possible prosecution in line with Nigerian law.
Navy vows sustained crackdown on oil theft
Commenting on the operation, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the officers involved for their professionalism and vigilance.
He said the Navy remains committed to eliminating crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of maritime crime that continue to undermine Nigeria’s economy and national security.
According to him, Operation Delta Sentinel has continued to record measurable successes through intelligence-led operations, persistent maritime surveillance and collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.
The Navy said the latest arrest builds on a series of successes recorded between April and June 2026 under the operation.
During the period, naval personnel recovered more than 4.7 million litres of petroleum products, dismantled 58 illegal refining sites, destroyed 239 dugout pits and 13 illegal refining ovens, and arrested 91 suspects linked to crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.
The service noted that the intensified crackdown 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.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure and supporting national efforts to increase crude oil production.
It also urged members of the public to provide credible intelligence that could assist security agencies in combating crude oil theft, illegal refining and other maritime crimes across the country’s waterways.
