By Tinji Braimoh, Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has recorded another significant breakthrough in its campaign against crude oil theft with the arrest of a vessel allegedly engaged in the illegal siphoning of crude oil within Nigeria’s maritime environment.

The operation, conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, took place in the early hours of July 23, 2026, following actionable intelligence obtained through the Navy’s surveillance network and sustained monitoring by naval assets deployed across the region.

Acting on the intelligence, naval operatives intercepted the vessel, MT FILIA, at the UTUE Terminal in Akwa Ibom State, where it was allegedly involved in the unauthorized transfer of crude oil from an oil well terminal facility.

Preliminary findings indicated that the vessel was carrying approximately 650 metric tonnes of crude oil and 32.82 metric tonnes of fuel oil without valid documentation or the necessary authorization required for such operations.

The Navy subsequently detained the vessel, arrested its 12 crew members, and secured the products as investigations continue. The suspects are expected to face prosecution in accordance with relevant laws upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the officers and ratings involved in the operation for their professionalism, vigilance and commitment to duty. He noted that their swift response underscores the Navy’s determination to combat crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage that undermine national development.

Vice Admiral Abbas reaffirmed the service’s resolve to sustain pressure on criminal networks involved in illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism and maritime crimes across the country’s coastal and offshore areas.

He stated that Operation DELTA SENTINEL has continued to deliver measurable results through intelligence-led operations, enhanced maritime domain awareness and close collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.

Highlighting recent achievements, the naval chief disclosed that between April and June 2026, naval forces recovered more than 4.7 million litres of illegally refined petroleum products, dismantled 58 illegal refining camps, destroyed 239 dugout pits and 13 refining ovens, and arrested 91 suspects linked to crude oil theft and related offences.

According to the Navy, these successes have contributed to ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to curb oil theft and improve crude oil production across the country.

The service noted that Nigeria’s crude oil output rose to approximately 1.89 million barrels per day in July 2026, surpassing the production quota allocated to the country by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure, strengthening maritime security and supporting national initiatives aimed at boosting energy production and economic growth.

It also appealed to citizens and industry stakeholders to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in the fight against crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the maritime sector.