By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

The Nigerian Navy, in a coordinated operation with other security agencies, has arrested three vessels allegedly involved in crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, seizing over 900 metric tons of suspected stolen crude.

The vessels, identified as Motor Tanker Mkpodu, Motor Tanker Westaf, and Motor Tanker Stelios K, were intercepted in separate operations within the Calabar/Akwa Ibom and Bonny maritime areas.

According to a statement by the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, the first operation was carried out on April 8, 2026, when troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted MT Mkpodu and MT Westaf at about 11:45 p.m. at a wellhead within the joint operations area.

The statement noted that both vessels were actively engaged in siphoning crude oil at the time of arrest.

“MT Mkpodu was intercepted in the process of siphoning crude and was found laden with about 480 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil, while MT Westaf had approximately 459 metric tons onboard,” the statement said.

A total of 26 crew members were arrested aboard the two vessels.

Following the interception, Nigerian Navy Ship Shere and a naval helicopter were deployed to secure the vessels, providing aerial surveillance and ensuring safe custody at the offshore location.

The vessels and suspects were subsequently transferred to the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory jetty in Calabar with the support of Nigerian Navy Ship Ose and personnel from the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka.

In a related development, a third vessel, MT Stelios K, was arrested on April 10, 2026, by Nigerian Navy Ship Gongola for involvement in crude oil theft using suspected vessels.

Speaking to journalists weekend, while parading the suspects in Calabar, the Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, described the arrests as a major breakthrough in the fight against crude oil theft.

He said the success of the operation underscored the commitment of the Armed Forces to protect the nation’s oil assets and curb economic sabotage.

Oladipo attributed the success to the support of the Chief of Defence Staff, as well as the collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force.

“Crude oil theft remains a serious threat to the nation’s economy, and we will continue to intensify operations to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said.

Also speaking, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, disclosed that another vessel linked to the operation had earlier been arrested in Bonny.

He added that security agencies were on the trail of three additional vessels suspected to be part of the same network.

Okehie commended the personnel involved in the operation and reiterated the Navy’s resolve to sustain the crackdown on oil theft in the region.

The Navy said investigations were ongoing to unravel the wider network behind the illegal operation, adding that those arrested would be charged to court upon conclusion of inquiries.