The Nigerian Navy’s Operation DELTA SENTINEL has successfully intercepted and arrested a vessel suspected of fuel oil and crude oil theft within Nigeria’s maritime domain. The operation, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, 23 July 2026, also resulted int he arrest of 12 crew members.
A statement by Naval Spokesperson, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the interception and arrests “was based on credible intelligence from the Nigerian Navy’s surveillance systems and sustained monitoring by Nigerian Navy platforms under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.”
The statement added: “Acting swiftly on intelligence, naval personnel intercepted the suspect vessel MT FILIA at UTUE Terminal, Akwa Ibom, while allegedly involved in the siphoning of stolen crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket. Preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel was carrying an estimated 32.82 metric tonnes of Fuel Oil and 650 metric tonnes of crude oil without the requisite documentation or lawful authorisation. Consequently, the vessel, its crew of 12, and the recovered cargo were taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
“Speaking on the operation, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the professionalism, vigilance and commitment of the personnel involved in the successful operation. He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its determination to eliminate crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of maritime criminality 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-driven operations and close collaboration with other security agencies and critical stakeholders across the maritime sector.
“You will recall that the Nigerian Navy, between April and June 2026, recovered over 4.7 million litres of petroleum product, deactivated over 58 illegal refining sites, destroyed over 239 dugout pits and 13 refining ovens, and arrested over 91 suspects connected to crude oil theft under Operation DELTA SENTINEL. This feat coincided with the upsurge in national 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 secure 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.”