By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigerian Navy has recorded another major operational success under Operation DELTA SENTINEL with the interception and arrest of a vessel suspected of crude oil and fuel oil theft within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Navy Spokesperson, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operation was carried out in the early hours of 23rd July 2026 at UTUE Terminal, Akwa Ibom State.
He said the arrest was based on credible intelligence from the Nigerian Navy’s surveillance systems and sustained monitoring by naval platforms under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
According to the statement, naval personnel acting swiftly on intelligence intercepted the suspect vessel, MT FILIA, while it was allegedly siphoning stolen crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel was carrying an estimated 32.82 metric tonnes of Fuel Oil and 650 metric tonnes of crude oil without requisite documentation or lawful authorisation,” Captain Folorunsho stated.
Consequently, the vessel, its 12 crew members, and the recovered cargo were taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
Speaking on the operation, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the professionalism, vigilance and commitment of the personnel involved.
He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its determination to eliminate crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of maritime criminality that undermine Nigeria’s economic prosperity and national security.
Vice Admiral Abbas noted that Operation DELTA SENTINEL, launched to combat crude oil theft and economic sabotage, continues to deliver measurable successes through persistent surveillance, intelligence-driven operations, and collaboration with other security agencies.
The Navy disclosed that between April and June 2026, it recovered over 4.7 million litres of petroleum products, deactivated 58 illegal refining sites, destroyed 239 dugout pits and 13 refining ovens, and arrested 91 suspects connected to crude oil theft.
The statement added that the feat coincided with an upsurge in national crude oil production to 1.89 million barrels per day in July 2026, surpassing Nigeria’s OPEC production quota.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to supporting national efforts to increase crude oil production, protect critical oil and gas infrastructure, and maintain a secure maritime environment.
It urged members of the public to provide credible information to assist the Navy and other security agencies in combating crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
