By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have intercepted and arrested three vessels and 26 crew members in a major crackdown on suspected crude oil theft within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The operation, which underscores intensified efforts to protect the nation’s oil resources, began late on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, when OPDS troops, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted two vessels—Motor Tanker MKPODU and Motor Tanker WESTAF—suspected to be involved in illegal crude oil activities within the Calabar–Akwa Ibom maritime area.
The vessels were apprehended at about 11:45 p.m. at a wellhead located within the joint operational area of OPDS and the Eastern Naval Command while actively engaged in siphoning crude oil.
Motor Tanker MKPODU was arrested at latitude 04°12’38.40’’N and longitude 08°14’54.89’’E while deeply involved in the process of siphoning crude oil. At the time of its interception, the vessel was discovered to be laden with an estimated 480 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil.
Similarly, Motor Tanker WESTAF was intercepted at latitude 04°03’50.69’’N and longitude 08°23’30.00’’E. Investigations revealed that the vessel contained approximately 459 metric tons of suspected crude oil at the time of arrest.
Following the interception, Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE alongside a Nigerian Navy 410 Helicopter was immediately deployed to the location. The helicopter provided real-time aerial imagery of the vessels to support the operation, while Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE secured and took custody of the two vessels at the offshore site.
Subsequently, Nigerian Navy Ship OSE, working in conjunction with elements of the Forward Operating Base Ibaka, facilitated the transfer of the arrested vessels and their crew members to the Nigerian Navy jetty in Calabar for further investigation and necessary administrative procedures.
In a related development, preliminary investigations stemming from the initial arrests led to the interception of a third vessel, Motor Tanker STELIOS K. The vessel was arrested on 10 April 2026 by Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA for similar crude oil theft activities.
The arrest of the vessels highlights the renewed determination of the Defence Headquarters and the Nigerian Navy to curb crude oil theft in Nigerian waters through enhanced intelligence gathering, inter-service collaboration, and coordinated operational efforts. Security authorities believe the successful operation will send a strong message to economic saboteurs and serve as a deterrent to others involved in the illegal diversion of Nigeria’s petroleum resources.
While parading the suspects at the Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY jetty in Calabar, the Commander Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe, Olugbenga Oladipo, said the operation demonstrates the continued commitment of the task force to its mandate of combating crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage.
According to him, the operation also reflects the determination of security agencies to safeguard oil and gas infrastructure within the Joint Operations Area.
Rear Admiral Oladipo attributed the success of the mission to the immense support of the Chief of Defence Staff as well as the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, and the Chief of the Air Staff. He noted that the deployment of both naval vessels and air assets significantly enhanced operational effectiveness.
“The success of this operation underscores our continued resolve to combat crude oil theft relentlessly. These illegal activities deprive the nation of vital economic resources and undermine national development,” he said.
In his remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Chidozie Okehie, disclosed that another vessel connected to the illegal operation had earlier been arrested in Bonny.
He further revealed that security forces are currently tracking three additional vessels suspected to be involved in similar criminal activities within the region.
Rear Admiral Okehie commended the Commander of Operation Delta Safe for the strong collaboration between the task force and the Eastern Naval Command. He also expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, for his leadership and continued support in strengthening maritime security operations.
The naval chief assured that ongoing intelligence-driven operations will continue across Nigeria’s maritime environment, stressing that more arrests are expected as security forces intensify efforts to dismantle networks responsible for crude oil theft in the country.
