Troops of the Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have intensified efforts against crude oil theft, resulting in the arrest of 26 crew members and the interception of three vessels in the Calabar/Akwa Ibom maritime corridor.
The operation, conducted around 11:45 p.m. on April 8, 2026, led to the arrest of Motor Tankers MKPODU and WESTAF. According to military authorities, both vessels were apprehended at a wellhead where they were allegedly involved in the illegal siphoning of crude oil.
Investigations revealed that Motor Tanker MKPODU was carrying approximately 480 metric tonnes of suspected stolen crude, while WESTAF had about 459 metric tonnes onboard at the time of interception.
Following the operation, Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE, supported by a helicopter, was deployed to secure the vessels and provide aerial surveillance. The ships and their crew were later taken offshore and subsequently moved to the naval jetty in Calabar by Nigerian Navy Ship OSE, alongside personnel from the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka.
In a related development, a third vessel, Motor Tanker STELIOS K, was intercepted on April 10, 2026, by Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA over similar suspected offences.
While parading the suspects at the Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY jetty, the Commander of OPDS, Olugbenga Oladipo, stated that the operation reflects the task force’s determination to tackle crude oil theft and protect vital oil and gas infrastructure.
He attributed the success to the support of the Chief of Defence Staff, as well as strong collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force, reaffirming the commitment to sustain ongoing crackdowns on illegal oil activities.
Also speaking, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Chidozie Okehie, disclosed that another vessel linked to the operation had earlier been intercepted in Bonny, while three additional vessels are currently being tracked.
He commended the leadership of Operation Delta Safe and expressed confidence that continued operations would result in further arrests and disruption of oil theft networks.
