Troops of the Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have intercepted suspected illegally refined crude products valued at $3 million and arrested 24 suspects in Calabar, Cross River State.

The Commander of OPDS, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the operation in Calabar.

He said the interception occurred on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at about 11:45 p.m., when troops acting on credible intelligence arrested two vessels, Motor Tanker Mkpodu and Motor Tanker Westaf, in the Calabar/Akwa Ibom maritime area.

According to him, the vessels, carrying 26 crew members, were apprehended at a wellhead within the Joint Operation Area while engaged in crude oil theft. He stated that Motor Tanker Mkpodu was caught siphoning crude oil and was laden with about 480 metric tonnes, while Motor Tanker Westaf had about 459 metric tonnes of suspected stolen crude.

Oladipo said Nigerian Navy Ship Shere and a Nigerian Navy 410 Helicopter were deployed to the scene following the arrests. The helicopter provided real-time aerial imagery, while the ship secured the vessels offshore.

He added that Nigerian Navy Ship Ose, alongside elements of the Forward Operating Base Ibaka, facilitated the transfer of the vessels and crew to the Navy jetty in Calabar.

The OPDS commander said preliminary investigations led to the arrest of a third vessel, Motor Tanker Stelios K, by Nigerian Navy Ship Gongola on April 10, 2026, over suspected crude oil theft.

He stated that the operation reflected the commitment of the Defence Headquarters and the Nigerian Navy to curb crude oil theft through inter-agency collaboration and intelligence gathering.

While presenting the suspects at the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory jetty, Oladipo said the operation underscored the task force’s mandate to combat crude oil theft, economic sabotage, and secure oil and gas installations within the Joint Operations Area.

He attributed the success of the operation to the support of the Chief of Defence Staff, as well as the Chief of the Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff, noting that the deployment of naval and air force assets was instrumental.

He added that efforts would continue to tackle crude oil theft, which he said depletes the country’s economic resources.

In his remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, said one additional vessel linked to the operation had earlier been arrested in Bonny, while efforts were ongoing to track three more vessels.

He commended the OPDS commander for his support and expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, adding that further arrests were expected.

Data on crude oil losses show that Nigeria lost about 20.9 million barrels in 2022, averaging 57,200 barrels per day. In 2023, losses dropped to about 4.3 million barrels, with a daily average of 11,900 barrels, while in 2024, losses were estimated at 4.1 million barrels, averaging 11,300 barrels per day.

Between January and July 2025, the country recorded losses of about 2.04 million barrels, representing an average of 9,600 barrels per day.