The Nigerian Navy’s ‘Operation Delta Sanity’ has achieved significant success in combating crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta region. In the span of three months, the naval personnel have made impressive arrests, including the apprehension of 14 motor tanker vessels, 90 wooden boats, and 74 suspected oil thieves.
Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, shared these accomplishments during a press conference held at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder headquarters in Port Harcourt. He highlighted the achievements of ‘Operation Delta Sanity’, which involved the seizure of numerous wooden boats, the deactivation of illegal refining sites, and the arrest of suspects involved in oil theft.
The naval forces have also successfully seized fiber boats, arrested vehicles, and detained over 74 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal activities. Notable among the recent arrests are the motor tanker vessels MT Kally, MT Habour Spirit, MT Size Nail, MT Okito, MT Bullarerious, and MT Sweet Mary.
To sustain the momentum and further combat crude oil theft and other criminalities in the Niger Delta region, Vice Admiral Ogalla announced the extension of ‘Operation Delta Sanity’ for an additional 90 days. This decision aligns with the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief to eradicate oil theft and enhance Nigeria’s oil production for the betterment of the economy.
The Chief of Naval Staff emphasized that ‘Operation Delta Sanity’ is in line with his vision for the Nigerian Navy, which aims to establish a highly motivated and professional naval force capable of shaping security outcomes in the Nigerian maritime domain and the littorals. The operation was launched on January 6, 2024, with the deployment of naval personnel, platforms, helicopters, and UAVs for aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations across the Niger Delta area.
The initial duration of the operation was set at 90 days, and it has proven to be a resounding success. ‘Operation Delta Sanity’ has effectively curtailed the activities of oil thieves and vandals in the maritime environment, covering areas from Bayelsa to Ondo State, Rivers to Akwa Ibom State, and beyond. The recovery of substantial quantities of stolen crude oil products, the dismantling of illegal refining sites, the arrest of suspects, and the seizure of stolen products all demonstrate the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to eradicating crude oil theft.
The extension of ‘Operation Delta Sanity’ underscores the determination of the Nigerian Navy to maintain a secure and prosperous maritime environment, safeguarding Nigeria’s national interests and contributing to the nation’s economic growth. With the continued efforts of the naval forces, it is expected that the Niger Delta region will experience a significant reduction in crude oil theft and related criminal activities, paving the way for a more prosperous and secure future.
