The Nigerian Navy has intercepted an oil tanker allegedly transporting stolen crude oil valued at over ₦660 million and arrested 12 crew members in a major operation against crude oil theft in Akwa Ibom State.
The vessel, MT FILIA (IMO No. 8662684), sailing under the flag of São Tomé and Príncipe, was intercepted on July 23 by personnel of the Eastern Naval Command under Operation Delta Sentinel.
Speaking to journalists in Calabar, the Command’s Operations Officer, AA Umar, said the operation was carried out following credible intelligence gathered through the Navy’s surveillance systems.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the tanker had remained around the offshore oil terminal for more than seven days before attempting to illegally access crude oil facilities.
He disclosed that naval patrol teams intercepted the vessel as it departed the terminal, adding that the crew allegedly began discharging the stolen crude oil into the sea after sighting the Navy, resulting in maritime pollution.
Umar said investigations, including the captain’s confession, indicated that the vessel had loaded about 650 metric tonnes of crude oil valued at more than ₦660 million.
He noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and identify other individuals connected to the operation.
The naval officer reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to protecting the nation’s maritime resources and critical oil and gas infrastructure, warning criminal syndicates involved in crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes to desist or face the full weight of the law.
He also appealed to the public and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to continue providing credible intelligence to support the fight against maritime crimes.
