The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has announced the extension of the Nigerian Navy’s Operation DELTA SANITY by an additional 90 days. Launched on January 6, 2024, the operation aims to combat oil theft and related crimes in line with the President and Commander-in-Chief’s directive to eradicate crude oil theft and boost Nigeria’s production for a stronger economy. This extension follows the operation’s initial success and a previous 90-day extension in April 2024.
Operation DELTA SANITY has involved extensive deployment of personnel, platforms, helicopters, and UAVs for aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations across the Niger Delta. The efforts have resulted in significant achievements, including the recovery of large quantities of stolen products, dismantling of illegal refining sites, and numerous arrests.
During a press briefing on July 9, 2024, the Commander Task Group, Rear Admiral Samson Bura, highlighted the operation’s achievements since April 2024: 22 suspects arrested, 122 illegal refinery sites deactivated, and substantial seizures of crude oil and illegally refined automotive gas oil. Additionally, 57 wooden boats, 45 dugout pits, and 65 storage tanks were deactivated, and six vessels were arrested. Various items and equipment used in the construction of illegal refineries were also seized.
Given these successes, Vice Admiral Ogalla has approved another 90-day extension for Operation DELTA SANITY, effective from July 10, 2024. The announcement was made onboard the Nigerian Navy Ship OKPABANA in Onne, Rivers State, by Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, Chief of Training and Operations, representing the Chief of the Naval Staff.
Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his unwavering support of the Armed Forces and the Nigerian Navy.
LV