Akwa Ibom: Vessel, crew members arrested over alleged theft of crude oil

The Nigerian Navy has arrested a vessel identified as MT FILIA and its 12 crew members over alleged involvement in crude oil theft at Utue Terminal, Akwa Ibom State.

The vessel was intercepted in the early hours of Thursday while allegedly siphoning stolen crude oil from an oil well terminal jacket by naval operatives of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho said in a statement on Friday.

He added that the vessel was intercepted following credible intelligence generated through the Navy’s surveillance systems and sustained monitoring platforms.

The Naval spokesperson said personnel acted swiftly on the intelligence and successfully intercepted the vessel while it was allegedly engaged in the illegal activity.

Folorunsho said preliminary investigations 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.

He added 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.

The spokesperson also 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.

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.

Abass affirmed that 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.

The CNS noted 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 said 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).

Abbas added that the Nigerian Navy remains committed 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 appealed to members of the public to provide credible intelligence that could assist security agencies in combating crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.