Troops of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have intercepted and arrested two motor tankers MKPODU and WESTAF for alleged involvement in crude oil theft within the Calabar/Akwa Ibom maritime corridor.
The operation, carried out on the night of April 8, 2026, followed credible intelligence reports indicating ongoing illegal siphoning activities at an offshore wellhead within the joint operational area of OPDS and the Eastern Naval Command. The vessels were apprehended with a combined crew strength of 26.
Motor Tanker MKPODU was intercepted while actively siphoning crude oil and found to be carrying approximately 480 metric tons of suspected stolen crude. Meanwhile, Motor Tanker WESTAF was seized nearby with about 459 metric tons of suspected crude onboard.
In response to the operation, naval and air assets were swiftly deployed. Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE, supported by a naval helicopter providing real-time aerial surveillance, secured the vessels at sea. The vessels and their crew were subsequently transferred to the Navy jetty in Calabar with support from Nigerian Navy Ship OSE and personnel from Forward Operating Base Ibaka.
Further investigations led to the arrest of a third vessel, Motor Tanker STELIOS K, on April 10 by Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA for similar offences, indicating a broader crackdown on oil theft syndicates operating in the region.
Speaking during the parade of suspects at the Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY jetty in Calabar, the Commander of OPDS, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to combating crude oil theft and safeguarding Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure. He attributed the success of the operation to strong inter-agency collaboration and support from the Defence Headquarters, as well as the leadership of the Armed Forces.
Also commenting, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, disclosed that another vessel linked to the illegal operation had earlier been apprehended in Bonny, with three additional vessels currently being tracked.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its resolve to intensify operations against economic sabotage in the nation’s waters, warning that perpetrators of crude oil theft will continue to face decisive action.
