In a significant achievement for Operation Delta Sanity, the Nigerian Navy (NN) has apprehended a syndicate of 13 crew members, comprising one Ghanaian and 12 Nigerians, aboard the Ghanaian-owned Motor Tanker (MT) Sweet Miri on February 25, 2024. The vessel was intercepted approximately 174 nautical miles (about 320 kilometers) off Nigeria’s coast en route to Benin Republic.

The arrest followed observations that the vessel had deactivated its Automatic Identification System (AIS) in an attempt to evade detection, a violation of the International Ships and Port Security Code (ISPS). Designated as a “Vessel of Interest” (VoI) by the NN, the suspicious activities of MT Sweet Miri prompted the deployment of two NN ships, Nigerian Navy Ship ABA and Nigerian Navy Ship SOKOTO, to intercept it.

Upon boarding, it was discovered that MT Sweet Miri was carrying approximately 2 million liters of product suspected to be crude oil without proper approval from relevant authorities. In accordance with the directive of Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, an in-depth and independent investigation has been initiated. Samples will be collected and analyzed to ascertain the vessel’s culpability.

Rear Admiral AO Ayo-Vaughan, Director of Information for the Nigerian Navy, affirmed the commitment of the NN to collaborate with maritime, security, and law enforcement agencies to monitor, evaluate, and interdict infractions. This operation aims to bring economic saboteurs to justice in accordance with the nation’s laws.

The NN urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious maritime activities, as Operation Delta Sanity continues its efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain and combat criminal activities at sea.