Navy arrests two vessels with stolen crude worth N4bn

The Nigerian Navy has intercepted two vessels, MT Mkpodu and MT Westaf AF, loaded with over 939 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil valued at more than N4 billion.

A total of 26 crew members were also arrested during the operation.

The Commander of Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Olugbenga Oladipo, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Calabar on Sunday.

He said the operation highlights the Navy’s sustained efforts to combat crude oil theft and economic sabotage.

According to him, the vessels were intercepted around midnight on April 8 following credible intelligence. They were apprehended at a wellhead within the Calabar/Akwa Ibom Joint Operation Area while actively siphoning crude oil.

He noted that MT Mkpodu was caught in the act of siphoning crude.

Oladipo added that the operation was carried out with support from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Defence Staff.

“The Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff provided us with all the necessary assets we used in carrying out this operation.

“Following the arrest, Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE and Nigerian Navy 410 Helicopter were deployed to the scene.

“The helicopter provided real-time aerial imagery of the vessels while Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE took custody of the two vessels at the offshore location,” he said.

He further explained that Nigerian Navy Ship OSE and personnel from the Forward Operating Base Ibaka facilitated the transfer of the vessels and crew to the Navy jetty in Calabar.

Oladipo also revealed that another vessel, MT Steliosk, was intercepted on April 10.

He said the arrests demonstrate the proactive collaboration between the Defence Headquarters and the Nigerian Navy in tackling crude oil theft in Nigerian waters.

In his remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Chidozie Okehie, commended the operation and reaffirmed commitment to intensifying the crackdown on oil theft.

He also assured the Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, of continued efforts to apprehend perpetrators operating in the region.