Navy extends ‘Operation Delta Sanity’ against crude oil theft
...Records significant successes
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, on Thursday extended the Operation Delta Sanity by 90 days.
Disclosed in a statement, the Navy said that the CNS gave the extension of the operation while he was visiting the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER in Port Harcourt, Rivers.
It also disclosed that: “Cumulatively, Operation DELTA SANITY has recorded successes as follows: Recovery of large quantities of stolen crude oil and refined products. Seized wooden boats – 95, deactivated storage tanks and refining ovens – 119, deactivated dugout pits – 447, deactivated illegal refining sites – 120, seized fibre boats – 13, seized vehicles – 9, arrested suspects – 74, arrested vessels – 14.”
It would be recalled that the CNS launched Operation DELTA SANITY on 6 January 2024, to combat crude oil theft. This was done in line with the directive of Mr. President to eradicate crude oil theft and ramp up Nigeria’s production for an improved economy.
According to the Navy, “Operation DELTA SANITY was conceptualised as a major anti-crude oil theft operation, the Nigerian Navy personnel, platforms, helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles were deployed on aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations across the Niger Delta area.”
It also stated that commands, units and bases were directed to conduct both Kinetic and non-Kinetic operations to stem the tide of maritime criminalities.
Confident of the results of its operation in this regard, the Navy said that “The operation has denied oil thieves and vandals across various parts of the Niger Delta, freedom of action. From Bayelsa to Ondo to Rivers to Akwa Ibom States, and beyond, with the recovery of massive quantities of stolen products, the dismantling of Illegal Refining Sites, arrest of suspects, seizure of stolen products has underscored the resolve of the Nigerian Navy to stamp out crude oil theft.
The CNS appreciates President Bola Tinubu for his committed support to the Armed Forces in general and the Nigerian Navy in particular. He also commended all the officers and men of the Nigerian Navy who daily sacrifice every form of physical comfort to fulfill the mandate of Operation DELTA SANITY.
