Navy arrests two vessels with ₦4bn stolen crude oil

The Nigerian Navy has arrested 26 crew members and seized two vessels laden with ₦4 billion worth of stolen crude oil in a coordinated offshore operation near Calabar

The Nigerian Navy has intercepted two vessels, *MT Mkpodu* and *MT Westaf AF*, carrying over 939 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil valued at approximately ₦4 billion. Rear Adm. Olugbenga Oladipo, Commander of Operation Delta Safe, announced the breakthrough on Sunday, confirming that 26 crew members were apprehended during the operation. The vessels were caught at a wellhead within the Calabar/Akwa Ibom Joint Operations Area following credible intelligence received on April 8.

The high-stakes operation involved a coordinated effort between the Nigerian Navy Ship *SHERE* and a Navy 410 Helicopter, which provided real-time aerial imagery to track the suspects. According to Naval officials, *MT Mkpodu* was caught in the act of siphoning crude oil. The successful raid was attributed to enhanced inter-service collaboration involving the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Defence Staff, highlighting a proactive stance against economic sabotage.

Following the initial arrests, a third vessel, *MT Steliosk*, was also seized on April 10, signaling a sustained crackdown on maritime crime in the region. Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie of the Eastern Naval Command emphasized that the Navy remains fully committed to securing Nigerian waters and protecting the nation’s oil assets. All arrested crew members and vessels have been transferred to the Navy jetty in Calabar for further investigation and prosecution.

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