The Nigerian Navy, working in synergy with other security agencies, has arrested three vessels allegedly involved in crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, recovering over 900 metric tons of suspected stolen crude.
The vessels Motor Tanker Mkpodu, Motor Tanker Westaf, and Motor Tanker Stelios were intercepted during separate operations across the Calabar/Akwa Ibom and Bonny maritime corridors.
In a statement issued by the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), the first operation took place on April 8, 2026, when troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted MT Mkpodu and MT Westaf at about 11:45 p.m. at a wellhead within the joint operations area.
According to the statement, both vessels were caught in the act of siphoning crude oil. “MT Mkpodu was intercepted while siphoning crude and was laden with about 480 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil, while MT Westaf had approximately 459 metric tons onboard,” it said.
A total of 26 crew members were arrested aboard the two vessels. Following the operation, Nigerian Navy Ship Shere, supported by a naval helicopter, was deployed to secure the vessels, provide aerial surveillance, and ensure their safety offshore.
The vessels and suspects were later moved to the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory jetty in Calabar with support from Nigerian Navy Ship Ose and personnel of the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka.In a related operation on April 10, 2026, Nigerian Navy Ship Gongola arrested a third vessel, MT Stelios K, for its alleged involvement in crude oil theft.
Speaking to journalists while parading the suspects in Calabar, the Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in the fight against oil theft.
He said the success of the operations highlights the Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s oil assets and tackling economic sabotage.
Oladipo credited the achievement to the support of the Chief of Defence Staff and the effective collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force. “Crude oil theft remains a major threat to the nation’s economy. We will sustain intensified operations to ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” he said.
Also speaking, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, revealed that another vessel linked to the syndicate had earlier been apprehended in Bonny.
He added that security agencies are currently tracking three more vessels suspected to be part of the same network.Okehie commended the operatives involved and reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to maintain pressure on oil theft syndicates in the region.
The Navy said investigations are ongoing to uncover the broader network behind the illegal activities, adding that suspects will be prosecuted upon conclusion of inquiries.
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