Explosive SEA DRAMA! Nigerian Navy Intercepts Vessel With 650 Metric Tonnes of Suspected Stolen Crude Oil as 12 Crew Members Face Arrest

The operation, conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL in the early hours of Thursday, July 23, 2026, followed credible intelligence generated through the Nigerian Navy’s surveillance systems and sustained monitoring of maritime activities.

Naval personnel swiftly intercepted the suspect 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 investigations revealed that the vessel was carrying approximately 650 metric tonnes of crude oil and 32.82 metric tonnes of fuel oil without the required documentation or lawful authorization. The vessel, its cargo, and all 12 crew members were immediately taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Reacting to the successful operation, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, praised the professionalism, vigilance, and dedication of the naval personnel involved. He reiterated that the Nigerian Navy remains committed to eliminating crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other maritime crimes that threaten Nigeria’s economy and national security.

According to the Navy, Operation DELTA SENTINEL continues to deliver significant results through intelligence-driven operations, persistent surveillance, and collaboration with other security agencies and key stakeholders across the maritime sector.

The latest arrest adds to a growing list of successes recorded by the Nigerian Navy. Between April and June 2026, the service recovered more than 4.7 million litres of petroleum products, dismantled 58 illegal refining sites, destroyed 239 dugout pits and 13 refining ovens, and arrested 91 suspects linked to crude oil theft.

These sustained operations have coincided with Nigeria’s rise in crude oil production to 1.89 million barrels per day in July 2026, exceeding the country’s OPEC production quota.

The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure, supporting increased crude oil production, and maintaining a secure maritime environment that promotes economic growth. It also urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to help security agencies combat crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.