Nigerian Navy Intercepts Three Vessels Involved in Multi-Billion Naira Crude Oil Theft

By Babatunji Wusu

In a major blow to economic saboteurs, the Nigerian Navy has successfully intercepted three vessels allegedly involved in the theft of crude oil valued at over 4 billion naira. The operation, carried out by the Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), underscores a renewed and aggressive push to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders and protect the nation’s vital oil and gas installations.

The crackdown began late on the night of April 8, 2026, when naval forces acted on credible intelligence to intercept two vessels, Motor Tanker MKPODU and Motor Tanker WESTAF, within the Calabar/Akwa Ibom maritime corridor. At the time of the arrest, the MT MKPODU was caught in the act of siphoning crude oil from a wellhead and was found to be carrying approximately 480 metric tons of stolen product. Similarly, the MT WESTAF was apprehended with roughly 459 metric tons of crude on board. A total of 26 crew members were taken into custody during these initial raids.

The operation was a sophisticated display of inter-service collaboration. While Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE took physical custody of the vessels at sea, a Nigerian Navy 410 Helicopter provided real-time aerial surveillance to monitor the area. Further investigations quickly led to the seizure of a third vessel, Motor Tanker STELIOS K, on April 10, 2026.

Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, Commander of the OPDS, paraded the suspects and emphasized that the military remains relentless in its pursuit of those depleting the country’s resources. Supporting this stance, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, revealed that while a fourth vessel was recently secured at Bonny, authorities are currently on the trail of three additional vessels linked to the same criminal network. This proactive stance highlights the military’s commitment to ending the cycle of economic sabotage in Nigerian waters.

Do you believe that increased aerial surveillance is the most effective way to finally end large-scale crude oil theft in the Niger Delta?

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