The Nigerian Navy has arrested two vessels, MT Mkpodu and MT Westaf AF, with over 939 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil worth over N4 billion.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 26 crew members were also arrested in the operation.
The Commander, Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Adm. Olugbenga Oladipo, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the development in Calabar, Cross River State, on Sunday.
He said the arrest underscores the Nigerian Navy’s continued commitment to combating crude oil theft and other economic sabotage.
The commander said the arrest of the vessels was made possible through credible intelligence received at midnight on April 8.
He said the vessels were apprehended at a wellhead located within the Calabar/Akwa Ibom Joint Operations Area, where they were allegedly involved in crude oil theft.
He added that MT Mkpodu was arrested while in the process of siphoning crude oil.
