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The Nigerian Navy has arrested nine suspected oil thieves linked to illegal bunkering activities in Akwa Ibom State.
The Commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore Mohammed Manga, 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.
He said that the suspects were apprehended on February 23, 2026, by operatives of NNS Jubilee in collaboration with sister units, including Nigerian Navy Ship BONNY and Nigerian Navy Ship SHIRORO. The arrests were made as the suspects allegedly attempted to siphon crude oil from an offshore platform in the Asabo oil field. A wooden boat used in 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.
“The boat and its nine-man crew were intercepted while attempting to illegally siphon crude oil. The suspects were arrested without incident, and the boat and tools used were confiscated in line with regulations and operational procedures,” Manga said.
He noted that preliminary investigations confirmed the suspects were involved in illegal bunkering, an activity that undermines Nigeria’s economic stability, threatens maritime security and contributes to environmental degradation.
Commodore Manga stressed that NNS Jubilee has intensified its operations against oil theft, sustaining a high operational tempo through routine maritime patrols, intelligence-led surveillance and inter-agency collaboration.
“These patrols protect critical national assets, safeguard offshore and coastal infrastructure, and secure commercial maritime routes within our operational environment,” he added.
Upon receiving the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the EFCC, Mr Taiwo Adetona stated that the Commission would conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify all individuals connected to the alleged economic crime, beyond the nine suspects already in custody.
