Operation Delta Sentinel: Navy arrests vessel involved in illegal crude oil theft

The Nigerian Navy has recorded another significant operational success under Operation DELTA SENTINEL with the interception and arrest of a vessel suspected of stealing fuel oil and crude oil within the maritime domain of Nigeria.

The Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, made this known in a statement.

According to him, the operation, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, July 23, 2026, was based on credible information from Nigerian Navy surveillance systems and constant monitoring by Nigerian Navy platforms under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

“Acting swiftly on intelligence, naval personnel intercepted the suspected vessel MT FILIA at UTUE Terminal, Akwa Ibom, while it was allegedly involved in siphoning stolen crude oil from the casing of an oil well terminal. Preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel was carrying about 32.82 tonnes of fuel oil and 650 tonnes of crude oil without required documentation or lawful authorization. Consequently, the vessel, its crew of 12 and the recovered cargo have been taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with existing laws,” he said.

Speaking about the operation, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, praised the professionalism, vigilance and commitment of the personnel involved in the success of the operation. He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Navy remains steadfast in its determination to eliminate crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of maritime crime that undermine Nigeria’s economic prosperity and national security.

He further noted that Operation DELTA SENTINEL, launched to combat crude oil theft and associated economic sabotage, continues to deliver measurable operational successes through persistent surveillance, intelligence-led operations and close collaboration with other security agencies and critical stakeholders across the maritime sector.

Between April and June 2026, the Nigerian Navy recovered over 4.7 million liters of petroleum products, decommissioned over 58 illegal refining sites, destroyed over 239 wells and 13 refining furnaces, and arrested over 91 suspects linked to the theft of crude oil under Operation DELTA SENTINEL. This feat coincided with the surge in domestic crude oil production to 1.89 million barrels per day in July 2026, surpassing Nigeria’s OPEC production quota.

“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to supporting national efforts to increase crude oil production, protect critical oil and gas infrastructure and maintain a safe maritime environment conducive to economic growth.

“Members of the public are encouraged to provide credible information that can assist the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies in combating crude oil theft and other maritime crimes,” he said.