By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
ABUJA – The Nigerian Navy has recorded another major breakthrough in its anti-crude oil theft campaign with the interception of a vessel allegedly involved in the illegal siphoning of crude oil in Akwa Ibom State.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of July 23, 2026, under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, led to the arrest of the vessel, MT FILIA, at the UTUE Terminal following intelligence gathered through the Navy’s surveillance systems and sustained monitoring by its operational platforms.
According to the Navy, preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel was carrying approximately 32.82 metric tonnes of fuel oil and 650 metric tonnes of crude oil without the required documentation or lawful authorization.
The vessel, its 12 crew members, and the recovered petroleum products have been taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with existing laws.
Reacting to the successful operation, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the professionalism and vigilance of the personnel involved. He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to eliminating crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other maritime crimes that threaten Nigeria’s economy and national security.
Abbas said Operation DELTA SENTINEL continues to record significant successes through intelligence-led operations, sustained surveillance and collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders in the maritime sector.
The Navy noted that between April and June 2026, Operation DELTA SENTINEL led to the recovery of more than 4.7 million litres of petroleum products, the dismantling of 58 illegal refining sites, destruction of 239 dugout pits and 13 refining ovens, as well as the arrest of 91 suspects linked to crude oil theft.
It added that the achievements coincided with Nigeria’s crude oil production rising 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 to drive economic growth.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to assist security agencies in combating crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
