The Nigerian Navy has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing anti-crude oil theft campaign, intercepting a vessel allegedly involved in the illegal siphoning of crude oil and fuel oil in Akwa Ibom State under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, July 23, 2026, followed credible intelligence generated through the Nigerian Navy’s surveillance systems and sustained monitoring by naval platforms deployed for Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, naval personnel intercepted the suspect vessel, MT FILIA, at the UTUE Terminal in Akwa Ibom while it was allegedly siphoning stolen crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel was carrying an estimated 32.82 metric tonnes of fuel oil and 650 metric tonnes of crude oil without the required documentation or lawful authorisation.
The Navy said the vessel, its 12-man crew and the recovered cargo have been taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with existing laws.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, praised their professionalism, vigilance and commitment, reaffirming the Navy’s determination to eliminate crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of maritime crime threatening Nigeria’s economy and national security.
He noted that Operation DELTA SENTINEL continues to record measurable successes through intelligence-driven operations, persistent surveillance 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 deactivation of 58 illegal refining sites, the destruction of 239 dugout pits and 13 refining ovens, as well as the arrest of 91 suspects linked to crude oil theft.
According to the service, the sustained operations have contributed to Nigeria’s crude oil production rising to 1.89 million barrels per day in July 2026, surpassing the country’s OPEC production quota.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure, supporting increased crude oil production and maintaining a secure maritime environment. It also urged members of the public to provide credible information that would assist security agencies in combating crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
