Navy Cracks Down on Crude Oil Theft in Niger Delta

The Nigerian Navy has made significant strides in its fight against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region. Under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, naval personnel intercepted a vessel called MT FILIA while it was allegedly siphoning crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket in Akwa Ibom State.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel was carrying about 650 metric tonnes of crude oil and 32.82 metric tonnes of fuel oil without the required documentation or lawful authorization. The Navy has taken the vessel, its 12-member crew, and the recovered petroleum products into custody pending further investigation and possible prosecution.

In a separate operation in Rivers State, personnel from Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER intercepted two wooden boats within the Okrika waterways after receiving credible intelligence. During a night patrol, about 12,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil were recovered after the thieves abandoned a boat and fled into nearby creeks.

The naval team extended their patrol to adjoining waterways, where a second wooden boat carrying about 3,500 litres of suspected siphoned Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was intercepted. The Navy has secured the recovered boats and petroleum products as investigations continue.