The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft, leading to the arrest of 26 crew members linked to illegal activities in the Niger Delta.
Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo said the operation was carried out with support from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Defence Staff.
He added that the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff provided critical assets for the mission.
“Following the arrest, Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE and Nigerian Navy 410 Helicopter were deployed to the scene,” he said.
“The helicopter provided real-time aerial imagery, while the ship secured the vessels offshore.”
He explained that Nigerian Navy Ship OSE and personnel from the Forward Operating Base Ibaka later facilitated the transfer of the vessels and suspects to the Navy jetty in Calabar.
Oladipo further revealed that another vessel, MT Steliosk, was intercepted on 10 April in a similar operation.
Also speaking, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, commended the operation and reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to sustaining efforts against criminal activities in Nigeria’s territorial waters.
