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The Nigerian Navy has arrested 26 crew members and intercepted three vessels allegedly involved in crude oil theft in a major operation targeting economic sabotage in the country’s maritime domain.
The arrests were carried out by the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, following intelligence-led operations around the Calabar/Akwa Ibom maritime corridor. Authorities said the operation began late on April 8 when two vessels MT Mkpodu and MT Westaf—were intercepted while allegedly siphoning crude oil from a wellhead.
According to the task force commander, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, the vessels were found laden with large quantities of suspected stolen crude oil estimated at hundreds of metric tonnes with a total value exceeding ₦4 billion.
A total of 26 crew members were on board the vessels at the time of arrest and were taken into custody for further investigation.
The Navy said the operation involved coordinated deployment of naval and air assets, including patrol ships and a helicopter, which provided real-time surveillance and support during the interception. The vessels and suspects were later moved to a naval facility in Calabar.
In a follow-up operation on April 10, a third vessel identified as MT Stellos K was also intercepted for similar alleged involvement in crude oil theft activities.
Oladipo described the arrests as a reflection of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian military to combat oil theft and protect the country’s oil infrastructure. He noted that the operation was made possible through collaboration between multiple security agencies.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying surveillance and enforcement across Nigeria’s waterways, warning that individuals and groups involved in illegal oil activities would continue to face decisive action.
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