The Nigerian Navy has intercepted two vessels laden with suspected stolen crude oil valued at over ₦4 billion, arresting 26 crew members in a coordinated operation that highlights renewed efforts to curb oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The vessels, identified as MT Mkpodu and MT Westaf AF, were found carrying more than 939 metric tons of crude oil believed to have been illegally siphoned. The operation, described as intelligence-driven, was carried out within the Calabar and Akwa Ibom Joint Operations Area.
Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, disclosed the development while addressing journalists in Calabar on Sunday. He said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence received shortly after midnight on April 8, leading to the swift interception of the vessels at a wellhead.
According to Oladipo, MT Mkpodu was caught in the act of siphoning crude oil, a practice that continues to drain Nigeria’s economic resources. He noted that the operation received strategic support from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Defence Headquarters, alongside backing from the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff.
Naval assets deployed included NNS SHERE and a Navy 410 helicopter, which provided aerial surveillance and real-time intelligence. The vessel secured the suspects and seized ships offshore, ensuring they remained under tight custody.
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Additional reinforcement came from NNS OSE and personnel of the Forward Operating Base Ibaka, facilitating the safe transfer of the vessels and arrested crew to the naval jetty in Calabar.
In a related development, Oladipo revealed that another vessel, MT Steliosk, was intercepted on April 10, signalling sustained surveillance and enforcement operations across Nigeria’s coastal waters.
The Nigerian Navy maintained that the arrests highlight growing inter-agency collaboration and a firm commitment to dismantling crude oil theft networks. The operation is expected to send a strong warning to oil thieves and reinforce ongoing efforts to protect Nigeria’s vital economic assets.
