Ogalla Approves 90 Day Extension for Special Operation as Navy Deactivates 447 Illegal Refineries
In line with President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to stamp out oil theft and protect the nation’s economic well being, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla has extended Operation Delta Sanity by 90 days after 447 illegal refining sites were deactivated in the Niger Delta region between January 6 and April 25, 2024
The extension was announced on Thursday April 25, 2024 when the Naval Chief paid a working visit Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER in PortHarcourt , the Rivers State capital where he accessed the performance of the operation that commenced on January 6, 2024.
According to a press release issued by Commodore Adams Aliu,Nigerian Navy Director of Information, the operation recorded successes in the battle against oil theft since it’s inception earlier in the year.
“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.
“The CNS thanked the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hs Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his unwavering 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 fulfil the mandate of Operation DELTA SANITY
Operation DELTA SANITY was conceptualised as a major anti-crude oil theft operation where the Nigerian Navy personnel, platforms, helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles were deployed on aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations across the Niger Delta area.
Additionally, commands, units and bases were directed to conduct both Kinetic and non-Kinetic operations to stem the tide of maritime criminalities. 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. Cumulatively, Operation DELTA SANITY has recorded successes as follows: Recovery of large quantities of stolen crude oil and refined products.
