Nigerian Navy Arrests Three Tankers, 26 Crew Over Suspected Crude Oil Theft in Niger Delta

On the night of Wednesday, 8 April 2026, at about 11:45 PM, troops of the Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), acting on credible intelligence, successfully intercepted and arrested two vessels MOTOR TANKER MKPODU and MOTOR TANKER WESTAF suspected to be engaged in crude oil theft activities within the Calabar/Akwa Ibom maritime area. The two vessels, with a total of 26 crew members onboard, were apprehended at a wellhead located within OPDS and Eastern Naval Command joint operation area actively involved in crude oil theft. Motor Tanker MKPODU was arrested at latitude four degrees twelve minutes thirty-eight-point fourty seconds north, longitude 8 degrees fourteen minutes fifty-four point eighty-nine seconds east (04012’ 38.40’’N long 08014’54.89’’E) while deep in the process of siphoning the crude. The vessel was discovered to be laden with an estimated 480 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil at the time of arrest. Motor Tanker WESTAF on the other hand was arrested at latitude four degrees three minutes fifty point sixty-nine seconds north, eight degrees twenty-three minutes thirty seconds east (04003’50.69’’N 8023’30.00’’E) The vessel had about 459 metric tons of suspected crude oil at the time of arrest.

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 2 vessels at the offshore location.

Thereafter, Nigerian Navy Ship OSE and elements of Forward Operating Base IBAKA facilitated transfer of the arrested vessels and crew members to Navy jetty in Calabar. Meanwhile, preliminary investigation led to the arrest of third vessel; Motor Tanker STELIOS K by Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA on 10 April 2026 for similar Crude Oil Theft activities. The arrest of the 2 vessels demonstrates the shared commitment and proactiveness of the Defence Headquarters and Nigerian Navy towards curbing Crude Oil Theft in Nigerian waters through inter-Service and inter-agency collaboration and dogged intelligence gathering. It is believed that the arrest will send a clear message and deter potential economic saboteurs from engaging in such nefarious activities.

While parading the suspect at Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY jetty, the Commander Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo stated that the operation underscores the continued commitment to OPDS mandate in combating crude oil theft, and other economic sabotage as well as securing all oil and gas installations within the Joint Operations Area. He added that the success of the operation can be attributed to the immense support of the Chief of Defence Staff and particularly the Chief of the Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff. He revealed that the involvement of the Nigerian Navy vessels and resources as well as Nigerian Air Force assets is instrumental to the success of the operation. He therefore expressed resolve to continue to relentlessly combat crude oil theft which he said depletes the economy and resources of the country.

In his remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie assured that while one additional vessel involved in the operation was arrested earlier today at Bonny, the Eastern Naval Command is on the trail of 3 more vessels. He therefore appreciated the Commander OPDS for his support. He also thanked the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas and assured that more arrest will soon be done.