The Nigerian Navy has arrested nine suspected oil thieves over alleged involvement in illegal bunkering activities in Akwa Ibom State.
Commodore Mohammed Manga, commander of NNS Jubilee, disclosed this on Wednesday while handing over the suspects and recovered exhibits to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of the state.
Manga said the suspects were taken into custody on February 23, 2026, during a coordinated operation by NNS Jubilee in collaboration with sister units, including Nigerian Navy Ship BONNY and Nigerian Navy Ship SHIRORO.
According to him, the suspects were intercepted while attempting to siphon crude oil from an offshore platform at the Asabo oil field. A wooden boat allegedly used for the operation was also seized.
“On Monday, February 23, 2026, NNS Jubilee, in collaboration with sister units, apprehended a wooden boat at an oil platform offshore Asabo and handed it over to Forward Operating Base Ibaka,” he said.
“The nine-man crew was intercepted while attempting to illegally siphon crude oil. The suspects were arrested without incident, and the boat alongside tools used for the operation was confiscated in line with established regulations and operational procedures.”
The commander stated that preliminary investigations confirmed the suspects’ involvement in illegal bunkering, describing the activity as a threat to Nigeria’s economic stability, maritime security, and the environment.
Manga noted that NNS Jubilee had intensified anti-illegal bunkering operations through sustained maritime patrols, intelligence-driven surveillance, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
“These patrols are aimed at protecting critical national assets, safeguarding offshore and coastal infrastructure, and securing commercial maritime routes within our operational area,” he added.
While receiving the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the EFCC, Mr. Taiwo Adetona assured that the commission would conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify and prosecute all individuals connected to the alleged economic crime, beyond the nine suspects already in custody.
The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by security agencies to clamp down on crude oil theft and related maritime crimes in the Niger Delta regi
