The Nigerian Navy has intercepted a tanker allegedly transporting stolen crude oil valued at more than ₦660 million and arrested 12 crew members as part of efforts to curb crude oil theft in the country’s maritime sector.
The vessel, identified as MT FILIA (IMO No. 8662684) and flying the São Tomé and Príncipe flag, was apprehended on July 23 within an offshore oil terminal in Akwa Ibom State by personnel of the Eastern Naval Command during Operation Delta Sentinel.
Speaking during a media briefing in Calabar on Tuesday, the Command’s Operations Officer, Commodore A.A. Umar, said the operation was carried out following actionable intelligence obtained through the Navy’s surveillance network.
According to Umar, investigations showed that the tanker had remained around the offshore terminal for more than a week, allegedly waiting for an opportunity to gain illegal access to crude oil facilities.
He explained that at about 4:00 a.m. on July 23, naval personnel intercepted the vessel shortly after it departed the terminal and headed towards the open sea.
The commodore alleged that the crew attempted to dispose of the stolen crude by discharging it into the sea after spotting the approaching naval patrol, an action he said resulted in marine pollution.
Preliminary findings, including a confession reportedly made by the vessel’s captain, indicated that about 650 metric tonnes of crude oil had been loaded onto the tanker. The cargo is estimated to be worth more than ₦660 million.
Umar noted that investigations were continuing to establish the full details surrounding the alleged theft and identify other individuals connected to the operation.
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He said the seizure underscored the Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime resources and critical oil infrastructure from criminal activities.
The naval officer explained that Operation Delta Sentinel, launched in January 2026 by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, was established to strengthen maritime security through advanced surveillance technology, enhanced maritime domain awareness and closer collaboration with other security agencies.
According to him, the operation focuses on combating crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, sea robbery, kidnapping and other crimes within Nigeria’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone.
He warned individuals and criminal networks involved in oil theft and related offences to abandon such activities, stressing that those arrested would face prosecution in accordance with the law after investigations are concluded.
Umar also appealed to members of the public, security agencies and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to continue providing credible intelligence to support the Navy’s ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s maritime assets and sustain the fight against crude oil theft.