Nigerian Navy Seizes Three Vessels with Stolen Oil

On April 6, 2026, the Nigerian Navy executed a significant operation against crude oil theft in the maritime domain of Calabar, Akwa Ibom. The operation, coordinated by the Joint Task Force South South, led to the seizure of three vessels suspected of conveying stolen crude oil valued at N4 billion.

The vessels, identified as motor tankers MT Mkpodu and MT Westaf, were intercepted while siphoning crude oil from offshore locations within the operational area. At the time of arrest, the MT Mkpodu was found to be carrying approximately 480 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil, while the MT Westaf had around 459 metric tons.

In total, the operation resulted in the recovery of 939 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil and the arrest of 26 crew members. The Nigerian Navy deployed the ship NN Shere and a helicopter for aerial surveillance during the operation, which concluded with the vessels being taken into custody for further investigation.