The Eastern Naval Command, ENC, of the Nigeria Navy has arrested an oil product tanker MT FILIA (IMO No. 8662684) with 650 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil valued at over N660 million.

The ENC Operations Officer, Commodore Abubakar Umar, who announced the arrest at a media briefing in Calabar on Tuesday, said the feat was achieved based on credible intelligence.

Umar said the vessel sailing under the flag of Sao Tomé and Principe with 12 crew members onboard, was arrested on July 23 within Nigeria waters.

He said preliminary investigations indicated that the tanker vessel loitered within the vicinity of the offshore oil terminals located at Akwa Ibom for over seven days, waiting for an opportunity to gain access to some crude oil jackets.

According to him, the vessel subsequently proceeded to one of the oil jackets where it was engaged in the suspected illegal loading of crude oil.

“At about 04; 00hrs on July 23, MT FILIA departed the offshore oil terminal and proceeded seaward. Consequently, a navy patrol boat pursued and intercepted the vessel.

“On sighting the Nigerian navy ship, the crew began discharging the stolen crude into the sea, causing maritime pollution.

“Subsequent investigation reveals that the Captain of MT FILIA also admitted that the vessel loaded approximately 650 metric tonnes of crude oil at the terminal worth an estimated value of over N660 million.

“It is pertinent to state at this point that investigation is still ongoing to unravel further details of the dastardly act.”

A National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member serving in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Okebaram Stanley Chimaroke, has been found dead under unclear circumstances.

Chimaroke, a graduate of Civil Engineering and former President of the Students’ Union Government, SUG, of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, was reportedly declared missing before his lifeless body was recovered in a body of water in Nembe community.

Sources familiar with the incident alleged that the 27-year-old corps member may have been attacked by unidentified assailants before his disappearance.

The Bayelsa State Police Command had earlier launched a search operation after receiving a report that the corps member was missing.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the case was reported to the police at about 8:40 p.m. on July 25, 2026, by fellow corps member Aribisola Bisi Isaac, who was accompanied by Adeola Marvelous.

Police sources disclosed that the Local Government Inspector informed the officers that Chimaroke, who was serving in Nembe Creek, was last seen at about 8:00 p.m. on July 24.

Attempts to reach him through his mobile phone lines reportedly proved unsuccessful, raising concerns among colleagues and prompting a search effort.

Following the report, police operatives were deployed to the creek community, located about 45 minutes by boat from the Nembe Divisional Headquarters, to commence a search and investigation into his disappearance.

As of the time of filing this report, the Bayelsa State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the recovery of the corps member’s body or provide details on the exact circumstances surrounding his death.

Operatives of the Ozoro Police Division in Isoko North, Delta State, have arrested a twenty-five year old suspect, Yakubu Musa during a routine township patrol along Alaka road in the Community. 

The Operatives recovered one cut-to-size single-barrel gun from the suspect who was arrested on 25 July 2026. 

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe confirmed the report in a statement in Warri. 

He said, “On 25 July 2026, operatives of Ozoro Division, while on routine township patrol along Alaka Road, Ozoro, intercepted one Yakubu Musa (m), 25, carrying roofing sheets suspected to have been stolen.

“During interrogation, the suspect failed to give a satisfactory account of the items in his possession, prompting further investigation.

“A subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of one cut-to-size single-barrel gun.

“The suspect is in custody, while investigation is ongoing.”