CNS Extends Operation “Delta Sanity”

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.

According to a statement by the Director Naval Information Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu in Abuja, the decision, comes as a reinforcement of the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to eradicating illegal activities that hinder the nation’s economic growth.

The statement explains that 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.

It states that 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.

The statement stresses that under the operation, both kinetic and non-kinetic operations have been conducted, resulting in significant achievements which includes 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 includes 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, while a total of 74 suspects and 14 vessels have also been apprehended.

Vice Admiral Ogalla expresses gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support to the Nigerian Navy.

He also commends the dedication and sacrifice of all officers and men involved in the daily operations of Operation DELTA SANITY.

PR/Aisha Adesanya