Nigerian Navy Catches Vessel Siphoning Stolen Crude Oil in Akwa Ibom State
The Nigerian Navy has made another significant arrest in its ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft. On Thursday, July 23, 2026, a vessel named MT FILIA was intercepted by naval personnel along with its 12 crew members for allegedly siphoning stolen crude oil from an oil well at Utue Terminal in Akwa Ibom State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel was carrying approximately 32.82 metric tonnes of fuel oil and 650 metric tonnes of crude oil without proper documentation or authorization.
The Navy's Operation Delta Sentinel has been instrumental in combating crude oil theft, with notable successes between April and June 2026, including recovering over 4.7 million litres of petroleum product, deactivating 58 illegal refining sites, destroying 239 dugout pits and 13 refining ovens, and arresting over 91 suspects.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the professionalism and dedication of personnel involved in the operation and reaffirmed the Navy's commitment to eliminating crude oil theft and related economic sabotage.