Navy arrests vessel, 12 crew members over alleged crude oil theft in Akwa Ibom

By Taiwo Scholastica

The Nigerian Navy has arrested a vessel and its 12 crew members over their alleged involvement in crude oil theft and the illegal possession of petroleum products in Akwa Ibom State.

The arrest was carried out in the early hours of Thursday, July 23, 2026, under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following credible intelligence gathered through maritime surveillance systems and sustained monitoring by naval operational platforms.

Naval forces intercepted the vessel, MT FILIA, at the UTUE Terminal in Akwa Ibom State while it was allegedly siphoning stolen crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket.

Preliminary findings revealed that the vessel was carrying an estimated 32.82 metric tonnes of Fuel Oil and 650 metric tonnes of crude oil without lawful authorization or required documentation.

Following the discovery, the vessel, its crew, and the confiscated cargo were taken into custody for detailed investigation and potential prosecution under extant laws.

Speaking on the development, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the professionalism, vigilance, and commitment of the personnel involved in the operation.

He reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to eradicate crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and maritime crimes that threaten Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.

Abbas noted that Operation DELTA SENTINEL launched specifically to combat crude oil theft and associated economic sabotage continues to record measurable operational successes through intelligence-led patrols and enhanced inter-agency collaboration across the maritime sector.

The Navy assured that it will sustain its persistent patrols and surveillance operations to secure Nigeria’s territorial waters and protect critical national economic assets.