The Nigerian Navy has arrested two vessels MT Mkpodu and MT Westaf AF laden with about 939 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil valued at over N4 billion.
The operation, which also led to the arrest of 26 crew members, was confirmed by the Commander of Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Olugbenga Oladipo, while briefing journalists in Calabar on Sunday.
Oladipo said the arrests highlight the Navy’s sustained efforts to combat crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage in the Niger Delta region. He explained that the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence received around midnight on April 8.
According to him, the vessels were intercepted at a wellhead within the Calabar/Akwa Ibom Joint Operation Area while actively engaged in illegal oil siphoning. He disclosed that MT Mkpodu was caught in the process of siphoning crude oil at the time of arrest.
The naval commander attributed the success of the operation to strong inter-agency collaboration, particularly with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Defence Headquarters. He added that key military assets were deployed, including Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE and a naval helicopter, which provided real-time aerial surveillance.
Following the interception, the vessels were secured offshore and later transferred to the Navy jetty in Calabar with support from Nigerian Navy Ship OSE and personnel from the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka.
Oladipo further revealed that another vessel, MT Steliosk, was also arrested on April 10 in a related operation, underscoring intensified enforcement efforts.
In his remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Chidozie Okehie, commended the operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining the crackdown on oil theft.
He also assured the Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, of continued efforts to rid Nigeria’s waters of criminal activities through coordinated military actions.
The Navy reiterated its resolve to strengthen surveillance and enforcement operations to safeguard the nation’s oil resources and deter economic sabotage.
