Navy Seizes Vessel Carrying Over 682 Metric Tonnes of Suspected Stolen Petroleum Products

The Nigerian Navy has made another major breakthrough in its campaign against economic sabotage in Nigeria's maritime domain. According to the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy intercepted a vessel carrying 682.82 metric tonnes of suspected stolen petroleum products on July 23, 2026.

The vessel, MT FILIA, was allegedly siphoning stolen crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket at UTUE Terminal in Akwa Ibom State. Preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel was carrying 32.82 metric tonnes of Fuel Oil and 650 metric tonnes of crude oil without requisite documentation or lawful authorization.

The Navy took the vessel, its crew of 12, and the recovered petroleum products into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with existing laws. The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the professionalism, vigilance, and commitment of the personnel involved in the operation.