The Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy has captured an oil tanker, MT FILIA, with 650 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil. The oil is worth over N660 million.
Commodore Abubakar Umar, the ENC Operations Officer, shared the news during a media briefing in Calabar on Tuesday. He said they made the arrest based on solid intelligence.
Umar explained that the vessel, which sails under the flag of Sao Tomé and Principe, had 12 crew members on board. It was arrested on 23 July while it was in Nigerian waters.
He noted that early investigations showed the tanker spent over seven days near the offshore oil terminals in Akwa Ibom. It was waiting for a chance to access crude oil jackets.
According to him, the tanker later went to one of the oil jackets and was suspected of illegally loading crude oil.
“At about 04:00 hours on 23 July, MT FILIA left the offshore oil terminal and moved out to sea. The navy patrol boat followed and caught up with it.
“When the crew saw the Nigerian navy ship, they started dumping the stolen crude into the sea, causing pollution.
“Further investigation shows that the Captain of MT FILIA admitted that the vessel loaded about 650 metric tonnes of crude oil at the terminal. The oil was valued at over N660 million.
“It is important to say that the investigation is still ongoing to find out more about this crime.”
Umar added that catching MT FILIA shows the Nigerian Navy's strong commitment to professionalism and being ready for operations. He said it also reflects the mission goals of the Chief of Naval Staff.
“It shows the Nigerian Navy's determination to stop criminals from acting freely in Nigeria's waters.
“It also highlights how effective Operation DELTA SENTINEL is in using intelligence and teamwork to fight crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, sea robbery, kidnapping, and other economic crimes,” he said.
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