Navy intercepts N4bn stolen crude, arrest 26

By Fredrick Ameh

In a high-stakes maritime operation that highlights Nigeria’s intensifying war against oil theft, the Nigerian Navy has intercepted two vessels laden with suspected stolen crude oil valued at over N4bn, delivering a major blow to illicit networks operating in the nation’s waters.

The vessels, MT Mkpodu and MT Westaf AF, were apprehended alongside 26 crew members during a precision-led midnight raid on April 8 within the Calabar/Akwa Ibom operational axis.

Authorities revealed that the ships were caught actively siphoning crude from a wellhead in a coordinated theft operation.

Commander of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Olugbenga Oladipo, disclosed that the success of the mission was driven by actionable intelligence and seamless inter-agency collaboration.

The operation drew support from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Defence Headquarters, with aerial and naval assets deployed for real-time surveillance and interception.

The heart of the operation was a synchronized deployment of naval firepower and intelligence.

The Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE secured the vessels offshore, while a naval helicopter provided live aerial imagery that guided tactical decisions.

Additional reinforcements, including Nigerian Navy Ship OSE and personnel from the Forward Operating Base in Ibaka, ensured the safe transfer of the suspects and vessels to the naval base in Calabar.

In a related development, another vessel, MT Steliosk, was intercepted just two days later, signaling a sustained crackdown.

The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Chidozie Okehie, reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to dismantle crude oil theft networks that undermine Nigeria’s economy.

The operation indicates that Nigeria’s maritime security architecture is tightening through intelligence-driven enforcement and inter-service synergy