The Nigerian Navy has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing anti-crude oil theft campaign with the arrest of a vessel allegedly involved in the illegal siphoning of crude oil at the UTUE Terminal in Akwa Ibom State.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of Thursday, July 23, 2026, was carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL following credible intelligence generated through the Nigerian Navy’s surveillance systems and sustained maritime monitoring.
In a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, naval personnel intercepted the vessel, MT FILIA, while it was allegedly siphoning stolen crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket.
According to the Navy, preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel was carrying an estimated 257,200 metric tonnes of fuel oil and 650,000 metric tonnes of crude oil without the necessary documentation or lawful authorisation.
The vessel, its 12-member crew and the recovered cargo have been taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with existing laws.
Commending the personnel involved, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, praised their professionalism, vigilance and dedication to duty. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s determination to eradicate crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other maritime crimes that threaten Nigeria’s economy and national security.
Vice Admiral Abbas noted that Operation DELTA SENTINEL continues to achieve significant results through intelligence-led operations, persistent surveillance and collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders in the maritime sector.
He recalled that between April and June 2026, the Nigerian Navy recovered more than 4.7 million litres of petroleum products, dismantled 58 illegal refining sites, destroyed 239 dugout pits and 13 refining ovens, while arresting 91 suspects linked to crude oil theft.
The Navy said these operational successes have coincided with Nigeria’s increase in crude oil production to 1.89 million barrels per day in July 2026, exceeding the country’s OPEC production quota.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to safeguarding critical oil and gas infrastructure, supporting increased crude oil production and maintaining a secure maritime environment that promotes national economic growth.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies to strengthen the fight against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
