The Nigerian Navy has intercepted six boats laden with stolen crude oil and arrested three individuals suspected of vandalising pipelines in the Niger Delta. The operation was conducted by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos under the command of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, acting on intelligence reports.

The interception took place near Chevron Nigeria Limited’s Malu Jacket 19 offshore platform in the early hours of Sunday, June 15. According to Navy authorities, the suspects were caught while attempting to siphon crude oil from the facility. Six speedboats, each powered by 200-horsepower engines and carrying nine drums, were used in the operation. Three suspects were apprehended on the spot, while others escaped.

Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, presented the suspects and two of the seized boats to journalists in Warri on Wednesday. He said preliminary investigations suggested that the operation was carried out by a coordinated and well-funded network.

Zubairu stated that the prompt response of naval personnel prevented what he described as a potentially damaging act to the environment and the economy.

He confirmed that the arrested individuals are from Awoye community in Ondo State and are currently under investigation, with relevant agencies already involved for further action.

He said, “Investigations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the broader network behind this coordinated illegal activity”.

Commodore Zubairu noted the need for continued collaboration between the Navy and oil sector stakeholders, stressing that such joint efforts are vital to protecting national assets.

He also reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to ongoing security operations, including “Operation Delta Sanity,” which targets oil theft, pipeline sabotage, and other maritime crimes.

The commander called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security agencies.