Nigerian Navy Ship Jubilee Apprehends Nine Suspected Crude Oil Thieves

Nigerian Navy Ship Jubilee Apprehends Nine Suspected Crude Oil Thieves

On Friday 7 February 2025, nine persons suspected to be carrying out economic sabotage at Asabo D well head, Mbo, Akwa Ibom State were arrested by Nigerian Navy (NN) personnel. The suspects had used a wooden boat to access the oil facility to steal large quantities of crude oil. The arrest was a result of joint intelligence collaboration between NN, Seplat Energy Officials and the Department of State Service (DSS). This was a well-coordinated maritime operation with the deployment of NN ships and air assets to effect the arrest.

In a press briefing shortly after the arrest, the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE, Commodore Abubakar Umar, stated that the arrest demonstrates NN resolve and commitment to eradicate crimes in the nation’s maritime domain

This effort comes under the auspices of Operation DELTA SANITY II which was launched by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla on 30 December 2024. The Operation led by the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande as the Commander Task Group (CTG) has recorded significant successes in the anti-crude oil theft campaign. All the suspects have been handed over to the DSS for further investigation and prosecution exemplifying the synergy between the NN and other security agencies.