The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft with the arrest of two vessels, MT Mkpodu and MT Westaf AF, carrying over 939 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil valued at more than N4 billion. The operation, which also led to the arrest of 26 crew members, highlights ongoing efforts to combat economic sabotage in the nation’s maritime sector.
Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, Commander of Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe, disclosed the development during a media briefing in Calabar. He explained that the successful operation was driven by credible intelligence received in the early hours of April 8. Acting swiftly, naval forces intercepted the vessels at a wellhead located within the Calabar and Akwa Ibom operational area while they were actively siphoning crude oil.
According to Oladipo, MT Mkpodu was caught in the process of illegally extracting crude, demonstrating the boldness of oil theft operations in the region. He credited the success of the mission to strong collaboration between the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Office of the Chief of Defense Staff, as well as logistical support from the Navy and Air Force.
Naval Ship Shere and a Navy helicopter were deployed to secure the vessels, with aerial surveillance providing real time intelligence. The vessels were later transferred to the naval jetty in Calabar with assistance from additional naval units.
Oladipo noted that another vessel, MT Steliosk, was intercepted on April 10, reinforcing the Navy’s proactive stance. He reaffirmed the commitment of security agencies to sustained operations aimed at curbing oil theft and protecting national resources.
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