Nigerian Navy under Operation Delta Safe seizes three tankers over suspected oil theft

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigerian Navy, under Operation Delta Safe, has arrested three vessels and 26 crew members in a crackdown on suspected crude oil theft in the country’s southern waters. The operation, carried out on the night of 8 April in the Calabar–Akwa Ibom maritime area, led to the interception of two tankers allegedly siphoning crude from a wellhead, with large quantities of suspected stolen oil recovered.

According to a statement by the Joint Task Force South South, Motor Tankers Mkpodu and Westaf were seized with an estimated 480 and 459 metric tonnes of crude oil respectively. The task force said naval and air assets were deployed to secure the vessels, provide aerial surveillance and transport them to a naval facility in Calabar, while a third vessel, Stelios K, was arrested on 10 April in a related operation.

Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, Commander of Operation Delta Safe, said the arrests underline ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft and safeguard oil and gas infrastructure. He added that the success of the operation was due to coordinated action involving naval and air force assets.

The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, said authorities are tracking additional vessels suspected of involvement in oil theft, warning that further arrests are expected as operations continue.