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Open Free AccountThe Nigerian Navy has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta after intercepting two vessels transporting 939 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil valued at more than ₦4 billion.
The development was disclosed by the Commander of the Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, while briefing journalists in Calabar, Cross River State, on Sunday.
According to Oladipo, the operation was carried out in the early hours of April 8, following credible intelligence that led security operatives to the vessels operating illegally within the Calabar/Akwa Ibom Joint Operation Area.
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Publish NowMidnight Operation Leads to Arrests
Oladipo explained that the vessels were intercepted at a wellhead location during a coordinated midnight operation conducted by naval personnel.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 26 crew members who were on board the vessels suspected of transporting the stolen crude oil.
He noted that the success of the operation was made possible through strong collaboration and support from Nigeria’s top security institutions.
“The Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff provided us with all the necessary assets we used in carrying out this operation,” Oladipo said.
The commander also confirmed that the operation received support from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), highlighting the level of national coordination in tackling crude oil theft.
Naval Helicopter and Warship Deployed
Providing further details, Oladipo said that additional naval and air assets were immediately deployed after the vessels were intercepted to secure the location and prevent any escape.
A naval helicopter was deployed to monitor the situation from the air and provide real-time surveillance, while the Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE was tasked with taking custody of the seized vessels.
“The helicopter provided real-time aerial imagery of the vessels while Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE took custody of the vessels at the offshore location,” he explained.
The vessels, along with the arrested crew members, were later transported to a naval jetty for further investigation and processing.
Another Vessel Intercepted
Oladipo also revealed that another vessel identified as MT Steliosk was intercepted on April 10 in a separate but related operation.
The arrest of the additional vessel, he said, demonstrates the Navy’s continued determination to clamp down on crude oil theft and illegal activities in the region.
Crackdown on Oil Theft Intensifies
The latest seizure is part of a broader effort by Nigerian security agencies to tackle crude oil theft and illegal refining operations across the Niger Delta.
Recent operations by the military and security agencies have resulted in the recovery of large quantities of stolen petroleum products and the destruction of illegal refining sites.
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Security operatives recently recovered over 20,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and dismantled several illegal refining facilities in Rivers State.
In another operation, authorities intercepted about 44,000 litres of illegally refined petroleum products, while several suspects linked to the activities were arrested.
Over 100 Illegal Refineries Destroyed in 2026
Data released by the Defence Headquarters indicates that troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 101 illegal refining sites in the first quarter of 2026 alone.
Within the same period, security forces arrested 219 suspects involved in crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.
Authorities also recovered more than 547,920 litres of stolen petroleum products, including crude oil, diesel, kerosene, and petrol.
Nigeria Still Losing Billions to Oil Theft
Despite the recent successes recorded by security agencies, crude oil theft remains a major challenge for Nigeria’s economy and energy sector.
According to data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC):
- Nigeria lost 37.6 million barrels of crude oil in 2021
- 20.9 million barrels in 2022
- 4.3 million barrels in 2023
- 4.1 million barrels in 2024
Although the figures show a decline in losses in recent years, authorities say oil theft continues to threaten national revenue and energy security.
Security agencies have therefore vowed to intensify surveillance operations and clamp down on individuals and groups involved in illegal oil bunkering across the Niger Delta.
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