In a bid to further clamp down on crude oil theft and maritime criminalities in the Niger Delta region, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has announced the extension of Operation DELTA SANITY for another 90 days.
The decision, made on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER in Port Harcourt, comes as a reinforcement of the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to eradicating illegal activities that hinder the nation’s economic growth.
Operation DELTA SANITY was initiated on January 6, 2024, following a directive from the President and Commander-in-Chief to curb crude oil theft and boost Nigeria’s oil production.
Since its inception, the operation has seen Nigerian Navy personnel, platforms, helicopters, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles deployed for aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations across the Niger Delta area.
Under the operation, both kinetic and non-kinetic operations have been conducted, resulting in significant achievements.
These include the recovery of large quantities of stolen crude oil and refined products, deactivation of illegal refining sites, and the apprehension of suspects involved in illicit activities.
Cumulative successes of Operation DELTA SANITY include the seizure of 95 wooden boats, deactivation of 119 storage tanks and refining ovens, and the dismantling of 447 dugout pits used for illegal activities.
Additionally, 120 illegal refining sites have been shut down, with 13 fibre boats and nine vehicles seized. A total of 74 suspects and 14 vessels have also been apprehended.
Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his steadfast support to the Nigerian Navy.
He also commended the dedication and sacrifice of all officers and men involved in the daily operations of Operation DELTA SANITY.
The extension of Operation DELTA SANITY reflects the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and ensuring a conducive environment for economic development.
LV