Navy Intercepts Vessels with ₦4bn Stolen Crude

​The Nigerian Navy has dealt a massive blow to economic saboteurs after intercepting two massive vessels laden with an estimated 939 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil. The cargo, valued at over ₦4 billion, was seized during a high-stakes midnight operation that also led to the arrest of 26 crew members.

​The breakthrough was announced on Sunday in Calabar by Rear Adm. Olugbenga Oladipo, Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) South South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS). The vessels, identified as MT Mkpodu and MT Westaf AF, were apprehended on April 8, 2026, while allegedly siphoning oil from a wellhead within the Calabar/Akwa Ibom Joint Operation Area.

​Precision Strike in the Deep

​Rear Adm. Oladipo revealed that the operation was the result of seamless intelligence sharing between the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS).

​”The MT Mkpodu was arrested in the deep process of siphoning the crude,” Oladipo stated. He further explained that the Navy utilized a multi-dimensional approach, deploying the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SHERE alongside a Navy 410 Helicopter to provide real-time aerial surveillance and tactical support during the encounter.

​Following the initial seizure, elements from Forward Operating Base (FOB) IBAKA and NNS OSE facilitated the transfer of the heavy vessels and the suspects to the Navy jetty in Calabar for further investigation.

​Escalating the War on Oil Theft

​The Navy’s success did not stop there. The Commander noted that a third vessel, MT Steliosk, was also intercepted just two days later on April 10, signaling a heightened offensive against maritime criminals.

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​Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, commended the JTF for its proactiveness. He reassured the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, that the command remains resolute in its mission to sanitize Nigerian waters and eliminate the illegal oil bunkering networks that drain the nation’s economy.

​Economic Implications

​The recovery of over 939 metric tons of crude represents a significant victory in the ongoing battle to protect Nigeria’s primary revenue source. Security experts note that such coordinated efforts by the Navy and Air Force are essential to curbing the sophisticated logistics used by international oil syndicates operating in the Gulf of Guinea.

​The 26 suspects are expected to be handed over to relevant prosecuting agencies once preliminary investigations are concluded.