Navy Intercepts Vessel with Suspected Stolen Crude, Arrests 12 Crew Members in A’Ibom
The Nigerian Navy, under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, has intercepted a vessel allegedly involved in crude oil theft and arrested its 12 crew members during an intelligence-led operation in Akwa Ibom State.
The vessel, identified as MT FILIA, was intercepted in the early hours of Thursday at Utue Terminal, Akwa Ibom, while allegedly siphoning stolen crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket.
Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed in a statement that the operation was conducted following credible intelligence generated through the Navy’s surveillance systems and sustained monitoring platforms.
According to him, naval personnel acted swiftly on the intelligence and successfully intercepted the vessel while it was allegedly engaged in the illegal activity.
Preliminary investigations, he said, revealed that the vessel was carrying an estimated 32.82 metric tonnes of fuel oil and 650 metric tonnes of crude oil without the required documentation or lawful authorization.
Folorunsho stated that the vessel, its crew and the recovered cargo had been taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with existing laws.
He quoted the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, as commending the professionalism, vigilance and commitment of the personnel involved in the operation.
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The CNS reaffirmed the Navy’s determination to eliminate crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of maritime crime that threaten Nigeria’s economy and national security.
According to him, Operation DELTA SENTINEL, established to combat crude oil theft and related economic sabotage, has continued to record significant operational successes through persistent surveillance, intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders in the maritime sector.
Abbas disclosed that between April and June, the Navy recovered more than 4.7 million litres of petroleum products, dismantled 58 illegal refining sites, destroyed 239 dugout pits and 13 refining ovens, and arrested over 91 suspects linked to crude oil theft under the operation.
He noted that the successes coincided with the rise in Nigeria’s crude oil production to 1.89 million barrels per day in July, surpassing the country’s production quota under the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
The naval chief reiterated the service’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at increasing crude oil production, protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure and maintaining a secure maritime environment conducive to economic growth.
He also urged members of the public to provide credible intelligence that could assist security agencies in combating crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
By PRNigeria
