By Nworisa Michael
The Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), has intercepted three vessels loaded with suspected stolen crude oil valued at over ₦4.2 billion in Calabar, Cross River State.
The Commander of the task force, Olugbenga Oladipo, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory in Calabar on Saturday.
According to him, the operation commenced on the night of Wednesday, April 8, at about 11:45 p.m., when troops of OPDS, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted two vessels MT Mkpodu and MT Westaf within the Calabar/Akwa Ibom maritime corridor.
Oladipo explained that the vessels were suspected to be involved in crude oil theft and were apprehended at a wellhead located within the Joint Operations Area.
He revealed that both vessels had a combined crew strength of 26 persons at the time of their arrest.
Providing further details, the commander said, “Motor Tanker Mkpodu was intercepted in the process of siphoning crude oil and was found laden with an estimated 480 metric tonnes of suspected stolen crude.
“Motor Tanker Westaf, on the other hand, had about 459 metric tonnes of suspected crude oil onboard at the time of arrest.”
He added that following the interception, additional military assets were deployed to reinforce the operation, including naval platforms and air support.
According to him, “The helicopter provided real-time aerial surveillance, while naval platforms secured the vessels offshore and facilitated their transfer, along with the crew, to the naval jetty in Calabar.”
Oladipo further disclosed that sustained intelligence-driven efforts led to the arrest of a third vessel, MT Stellos K, by NNS Gongola on April 10 over similar alleged crude oil theft activities.
He said the successful interception of the vessels underscores the determination of the Defence Headquarters and the Nigerian Navy to combat crude oil theft through coordinated inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led operations.
The arrested suspects were subsequently paraded at the NNS Victory jetty in Calabar.
Reaffirming the resolve of the task force, Oladipo stated that OPDS remains committed to tackling crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage, as well as safeguarding oil and gas infrastructure within the Joint Operations Area.
Also speaking, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Chidozie Okehie, disclosed that the command is currently tracking three additional vessels suspected to be involved in illegal activities across the region.
The development comes amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to clamp down on oil theft and protect Nigeria’s critical energy assets.
