The Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy successfully captured the MT FILIA, an oil tanker holding 650 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil worth more than N660 million. Commodore Abubakar Umar, the operations officer for the command, confirmed the seizure during a press conference in Calabar.
Acting on reliable intelligence, naval forces apprehended the Sao Tomé and Principe-flagged ship on July 23 while it was in Nigerian waters. The vessel carried a crew of 12. Investigators believe the ship spent a week lingering near offshore terminals in Akwa Ibom, searching for a chance to tap into crude oil infrastructure.
The tanker managed to secure a load of oil from an oil jacket before attempting to head out to sea. A naval patrol craft tracked the ship, leading to its interception. As the navy approached, the crew attempted to dispose of the evidence by dumping the oil into the water, which resulted in significant environmental pollution.
The captain of the MT FILIA has since confessed to the illegal loading of the cargo. Authorities stated that investigations are continuing to determine the full scope of the smuggling operation.