The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft with the interception of a vessel allegedly involved in the illegal siphoning of crude oil within Nigeria’s maritime domain under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, naval personnel intercepted the vessel, MT FILIA, in the early hours of 23 July 2026 at the UTUE Terminal in Akwa Ibom State following actionable intelligence generated through the Nigerian Navy’s surveillance systems and sustained monitoring under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The Navy said the vessel was allegedly caught siphoning stolen crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket during the intelligence-led operation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel was conveying about 32.82 metric tonnes of fuel oil and 650 metric tonnes of crude oil without the necessary documentation or lawful authorisation.
The vessel, its 12 crew members and the recovered cargo have since been taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with existing laws.
Commenting on the operation, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the professionalism, vigilance and dedication of the naval personnel involved in the successful interception.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its determination to eliminate crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of maritime criminality that undermine Nigeria’s economic prosperity and national security,” the Naval Chief said.
Vice Admiral Abbas noted that Operation DELTA SENTINEL has continued to record measurable operational successes through sustained surveillance, intelligence-driven operations and close collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders in the maritime sector.
The Navy recalled that between April and June 2026, Operation DELTA SENTINEL led to the recovery of more than 4.7 million litres of petroleum products, the dismantling of over 58 illegal refining sites, the destruction of 239 dugout pits and 13 refining ovens, and the arrest of more than 91 suspects linked to crude oil theft.
According to the Navy, the sustained operations coincided with Nigeria’s crude oil production rising to 1.89 million barrels per day in July 2026, surpassing the country’s Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national efforts to boost crude oil production, safeguard critical oil and gas infrastructure and maintain a secure maritime environment that promotes economic growth.
The service also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist security agencies in combating crude oil theft and other forms of maritime crime.
