The Nigerian Navy has intercepted two vessels allegedly conveying stolen crude oil valued at over N4bn, arresting 26 crew members during the operation.
The vessels, identified as MT Mkpodu and MT Westaf AF, were reportedly carrying about 939 metric tonnes of suspected illicit crude at the time of their interception.
The Commander of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Calabar on Sunday.
Oladipo said the operation, carried out in the early hours of April 8, was based on credible intelligence and took place around a wellhead within the Calabar/Akwa Ibom joint operational area.
He explained that one of the vessels, MT Mkpodu, was apprehended while actively siphoning crude oil, describing the development as a major success in the ongoing fight against oil theft.
According to him, the operation was executed with support from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Defence Headquarters, alongside the deployment of naval and air assets.
“The Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE and a naval helicopter were deployed to the location. The helicopter provided real-time aerial surveillance, while the ship secured the vessels offshore,” he said.
He added that the vessels and their crew were subsequently escorted to the naval base in Calabar by personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship OSE and the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka.
Oladipo further revealed that another vessel, MT Steliosk, was intercepted in a similar operation on April 10, underscoring intensified efforts to curb crude oil theft in the region.
He noted that the arrests reflect improved inter-agency collaboration and the military’s resolve to tackle economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
Also speaking, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, commended the joint task force for the successful operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining the crackdown on oil theft and related crimes.
