Nigerian Navy Intercepts Nearly 4,000 Litres of Stolen Diesel in Calabar Port Crackdown
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted nearly 4,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products at the Nigerian Ports Authority facility in Calabar, Cross River Staye in a renewed crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal bunkering within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The seizure according to a press statement signed by Director of Naval Information, AA Folorunsho (Captain) was carried out under the Navy’s ongoing anti-oil theft mission, Operation DELTA SENTINEL following credible intelligence that petroleum products were being siphoned from vessels berthed at the port.
According to a press statement issued on March 13, 2026, naval operatives from Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY swiftly moved to the scene after receiving the intelligence report and traced the illicit operation to a trailer park located within the port facility.
Upon sighting the naval patrol team, the suspected perpetrators reportedly fled the area. The operatives subsequently cordoned off the location and secured the illegally siphoned petroleum products.
A further inspection of the site led to the recovery of about 3,950 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in drums and jerrycans. The products were later evacuated to the naval base for further investigation and necessary action in line with existing regulations.
The operation follows directives from the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas urging naval formations to intensify efforts against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes across Nigeria’s waters.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Navy stated that it would continue to sustain the operational momentum of Operation DELTA SENTINEL through enhanced surveillance, regular patrols and intelligence-driven missions to curb crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage.
