The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has extended the Nigerian Navy’s Operation Delta Sanity by an additional 90 days. Originally launched on January 6, 2024, the operation aims to combat oil theft and related crimes in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to eradicate crude oil theft and boost Nigeria’s oil production for economic improvement.
Operation Delta Sanity involves the deployment of personnel, platforms, helicopters, and UAVs for aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations across the Niger Delta.
According to Director of Information Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, the operation has achieved significant successes, including the recovery of large quantities of stolen oil products, dismantling of illegal refining sites, arrest of suspects, and seizure of stolen products. Due to these immediate and remarkable successes, the operation was previously extended in April 2024 for 90 days.
During a recent press briefing, it was reported that 122 illegal refinery sites were deactivated, large quantities of crude oil and illegally refined automotive gas oil were seized and appropriately handled, and 57 wooden boats, 45 dugout pits, and 65 storage tanks were deactivated. Additionally, six vessels were arrested, and various items and equipment used in the construction of illegal refineries were seized.
The achievements of Operation Delta Sanity highlight the necessity for its continuation. Consequently, Vice Admiral Ogalla has approved a further 90-day extension, effective from July 10, 2024. The announcement was made on July 10, 2024, onboard Nigerian Navy Ship OKPABANA at Onne, Rivers State, by the Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, who represented the Chief of Naval Staff.
Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support of the Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Navy.
