The Nigerian Navy has intercepted an oil tanker allegedly transporting stolen crude oil valued at more than ₦660 million and arrested 12 crew members during an anti-oil theft operation in Akwa Ibom State.
The vessel, MT FILIA, flying the São Tomé and Príncipe flag, was intercepted on July 23, 2026, by personnel of the Eastern Naval Command under Operation Delta Sentinel.
Speaking to journalists in Calabar, the Command Operations Officer, Commodore A.A. Umar, said the operation was carried out following credible intelligence gathered through the Navy’s surveillance systems. He explained that the tanker had remained near an offshore oil terminal for more than a week, allegedly waiting for an opportunity to illegally access crude oil facilities.
According to the Navy, patrol officers intercepted the vessel as it sailed away from the terminal in the early hours of July 23. Upon spotting the naval patrol, the crew allegedly began dumping the stolen crude oil into the sea, causing marine pollution.
Preliminary investigations and the captain’s confession indicated that the vessel had loaded about 650 metric tonnes of crude oil, estimated to be worth over ₦660 million. Authorities said investigations are continuing to determine the full circumstances of the alleged theft and identify other individuals involved.
Commodore Umar said the arrest demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime resources and critical oil infrastructure from criminal activities. He added that Operation Delta Sentinel, launched in January 2026, is aimed at combating crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, sea robbery, kidnapping, and other maritime crimes.
The Navy warned individuals involved in oil theft to desist, stressing that those responsible would face the full weight of the law. It also appealed to the public and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to continue providing credible information to support efforts to curb maritime crimes.
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