warned all individuals engaged in maritime crimes to desist or face the consequences
By Our Reporter
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Published on August 2, 2026
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2 min read
In one of its latest operations against oil theft, the Nigerian Navy has intercepted Sao Tome / Principe-flagged oil tanker for alleged involvement in illegal crude oil bunkering within Nigeria’s territorial waters, and in the process seized about 650 tonnes of suspected stolen crude oil.
Commodore Abubakar Umar, the Command Operations Officer, Eastern Naval Command, who made this known while addressing Journalists in Calabar, said the tanker was intercepted during a routine patrol on July 23, 2026,
He said the vessel, MT FILIA, was intercepted at the Utue Offshore Oil Terminal in Akwa Ibom State and that the Naval ship was acting on credible intelligence.
“MT FILIA was arrested along with 12 Nigerian crew members onboard,” Commodore Umar stated, and noted that the vessel had loitered around the terminal for over seven days.
“The tanker vessel loitered within the vicinity of the Terminals for over 7 days, apparently waiting for an opportunity,” the Commodore disclosed.
“When the Navy patrol boat pursued the vessel, the crew tried to destroy evidence. On sighting the Nigerian Navy Ship, the crew began discharging the stolen crude into the sea,” he narrated.
This action, he said, caused maritime pollution in the area, saying investigations later revealed the extent of the theft.
“The Captain of MT FILIA also admitted that the vessel had loaded approximately 650 metric tonnes of crude oil,” he stated, and disclosed that the seized crude oil is estimated to be worth over N660 million Naira.
Commodore Umar assured the public that the Navy was committed to fighting economic sabotage, noting “This arrest reflects the NN unwavering commitment to professionalism, operational readiness and mission accomplishment. Proper investigation has been initiated, and they will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”
The Navy warned all individuals engaged in maritime crimes to desist or face the consequences.
