Nigerian Navy Arrests Vessel for Crude Oil Theft Under Operation DELTA SENTINEL

The Nigerian Navy has made another significant arrest in its ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft. Operation DELTA SENTINEL, launched to tackle this issue, resulted in the interception of a vessel called MT FILIA at UTUE Terminal in Akwa Ibom on July 23rd. The vessel was found carrying an estimated 32.82 metric tonnes of fuel oil and 650 metric tonnes of crude oil without proper documentation.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the crew of 12 had been siphoning stolen crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket, a serious offense in Nigeria's maritime domain. The vessel and its cargo were taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the professionalism and commitment of the personnel involved in the operation. He emphasized that Operation DELTA SENTINEL remains resolute in eliminating crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of maritime criminality.