Odita Sunday 
Nigerian Navy Intercepts Vessel Allegedly Siphoning Stolen Crude, Arrests 12 Crew Members in Akwa Ibom
By Odita Sunday
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft with the arrest of a vessel allegedly involved in the illegal siphoning of crude oil in Akwa Ibom State, in what it described as another major operational breakthrough under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The development was announced by the Director Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, who disclosed that the operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday, July 23, 2026, following credible intelligence generated through the Nigerian Navy’s surveillance systems and sustained monitoring by naval platforms deployed under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
According to the statement, naval personnel intercepted the suspect vessel, MT FILIA, at UTUE Terminal, Akwa Ibom, where it was allegedly siphoning stolen crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel was laden with an estimated 32.82 metric tonnes of Fuel Oil and 650 metric tonnes of crude oil without the required documentation or lawful authorisation.
The Navy said the vessel, its 12-man crew and the recovered petroleum products have been taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with extant laws.
Reacting to the successful operation, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the professionalism, vigilance and commitment of the personnel involved, reaffirming the Navy’s determination to stamp out crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of maritime crime threatening Nigeria’s economy and national security.
He noted that Operation DELTA SENTINEL has continued to record measurable gains through sustained surveillance, intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with other security agencies and key stakeholders across the maritime sector.
The Navy also highlighted previous achievements recorded under the operation between April and June 2026, including the recovery of over 4.7 million litres of petroleum products, the deactivation of more than 58 illegal refining sites, the destruction of over 239 dugout pits and 13 refining ovens, as well as the arrest of more than 91 suspects linked to crude oil theft.
According to the statement, these sustained operations 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 critical oil and gas infrastructure, boosting crude oil production and ensuring a secure maritime environment that supports national economic growth. It also urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to assist security agencies in combating crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
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