Navy Seizes Oil Tanker Carrying Stolen Crude Worth N660 Million

The Nigerian Navy has arrested an oil tanker carrying 650 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil valued at more than N660 million during an operation within Nigerian waters.

The stolen crude oil operation was carried out by the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) after receiving credible intelligence. Speaking at a media briefing in Calabar on Tuesday, the ENC Operations Officer, Commodore Abubakar Umar, said naval personnel intercepted MT FILIA (IMO No. 8662684), a vessel sailing under the Sao Tomé and Principe flag, on 23 July. The tanker had 12 crew members on board at the time of its arrest.

According to Umar, preliminary findings showed the vessel remained around offshore oil terminals in Akwa Ibom for more than seven days while waiting for an opportunity to gain access to crude oil facilities. Investigators believe the tanker later approached one of the oil jackets and carried out the suspected illegal loading of stolen crude oil.

He said the vessel left the offshore terminal at about 4:00 a.m. on 23 July before a Nigerian Navy patrol boat pursued and intercepted it. Umar stated that the crew allegedly began emptying the crude oil into the sea after spotting the naval vessel, causing maritime pollution.

Further investigations revealed that the captain admitted the tanker loaded about 650 metric tonnes of crude oil, estimated to be worth over N660 million. Umar said investigations are continuing to uncover everyone connected to the suspected crime.

He noted that the successful operation reflects the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to protecting the country’s maritime domain and preventing economic sabotage. He added that Operation DELTA SENTINEL continues to strengthen efforts against stolen crude oil, illegal bunkering, sea robbery, kidnapping and other maritime crimes through intelligence, technology and inter-agency cooperation.

What more can security agencies do to curb crude oil theft in Nigeria’s maritime sector?