The Nigerian Navy has seized two vessels, MT Mkpodu and MT Westaf AF, carrying over 939 metric tonnes of suspected stolen crude oil worth more than N4 billion.
The Commander, Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Adm. Olugbenga Oladipo, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Calabar, on Sunday.
Oladipo said the interception underscores the Navy’s sustained efforts to combat crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage.
According to him, the operation followed credible intelligence received in the early hours of April 8th, leading to the seizure of the vessels at a wellhead within the Calabar/Akwa-Ibom joint operations Area.
He added that MT Mkpodu was arrested while siphoning crude oil.
Oladipo revealed that the operation was carried out in cooperation with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff.
“The Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff provided us with all the necessary assets used in carrying out this operation.
“Following the arrest, Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE and a 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,” Oladipo said.
He further disclosed that the Nigerian Navy Ship OSE and personnel of the Forward Operating Base IBAKA facilitated the transfer of the arrested vessels and crew members to the Navy jetty in Calabar.
Oladipo also noted that a similar arrest of another vessel, MT Steliosk, was made on April 10 in a related operation.
He said the arrests demonstrate the commitment of the Defence Headquarters and the Nigerian Navy in curbing crude oil theft in Nigerian waters through inter-service and inter-agency collaboration.
Earlier, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie, commended the commander for his support and assured the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, of their commitment and continued efforts to rid the area of criminal activities.
