The Eastern Naval Command (ENC) of the Nigerian Navy has arrested an oil tanker, MT FILIA (IMO No. 8662684), for allegedly transporting 650 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil valued at more than N660 million. The operation highlights the military’s ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft and other maritime crimes within Nigeria’s territorial waters. According to the Navy, the successful interception demonstrates its continued commitment to combating crude oil theft through intelligence-led operations.
Speaking at a media briefing in Calabar on Tuesday, Commodore Abubakar Umar, the ENC Operations Officer, said the vessel, which sails under the flag of São Tomé and Príncipe, was intercepted on July 23 with 12 crew members on board following credible intelligence.
Preliminary investigations showed that MT FILIA remained around offshore oil terminals in Akwa Ibom for more than seven days while waiting for an opportunity to access crude oil facilities.
According to Umar, the vessel later moved to one of the oil jackets, where it allegedly carried out the illegal loading of crude oil before attempting to leave the area.
“At about 04: 00hrs on 23 July, MT FILIA departed the offshore oil terminal and proceeded seaward. Consequently navy patrol boat pursued and intercepted the vessel.
“On sighting the Nigerian navy ship, the crew began discharging the stolen crude into the sea, causing maritime pollution.
“Subsequent investigation reveals that the Captain of MT FILIA also admitted that the vessel loaded approximately 650 metric tonnes of crude oil at the terminal worth an estimated value of over N660 million.
“It is pertinent to state at this point that investigation is still ongoing to unravel further details of the dastardly act.”
Commodore Umar said the arrest reflects the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to professionalism, operational readiness and the strategic vision of the Chief of Naval Staff.
“It further demonstrates the Nigerian navy’s resolve to deny criminal elements the freedom to operate within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“It equally underscores the effectiveness of Operation DELTA SENTINEL in leveraging intelligence, technology and inter agency collaboration to detect, deter and disrupt crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, sea robbery, kidnapping and other forms of economic sabotage,” he said.
Investigations are continuing as the Nigerian Navy works to uncover everyone involved in the alleged crude oil theft operation.
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