By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Naval Staff (CAS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has extended the Nigerian Navy’s Operation Delta Sanity by 90 days to combat oil theft and related crimes in the region.
The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Adams-Aliu said the extension was in line with the President Bola Tinubu’s directive to eradicate crude oil theft and ramp up Nigeria’s oil production for an improved economy.
He said the operation, which was inaugurated on Jan. 6, involved the deployment of personnel, platforms, helicopters and UAVs on aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations across the Niger Delta.
According to him, the successes were immediate and remarkable including the recovery of massive quantities of stolen products, the dismantling of Illegal Refining Sites, arrest of suspects and seizure of stolen products.
Adams-Aliu said the operation was extended in April for 90 days.
He said the Commander, Task Group, Rear Adm. Samson Bura, had recently revealed that a total of 22 suspects were arrested and about 122 Illegal Refinery Sites deactivated since April.
According to him, large quantities of crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil were seized and appropriately handled.
“Also, a total of 57 wooden boats, 45 dugout pits and 65 storage tanks were deactivated while 6 vessels were arrested.
“Additionally, several items and equipment used in the construction of illegal refineries were seized. The achievements and successes of Op DELTA SANITY underscore the need for the operation to be extended.
“Hence the Chief of the Naval Staff has approved the extension of Operation Delta Sanity for a further 90 days effective from 10
July 2024.
“The announcement was made on Wednesday, onboard Nigerian Navy Ship OKPABANA at Onne, Rivers by the Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira on behalf of the Naval chief,” he said.
The naval spokesman said the CNS had thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces in general and the Nigerian navy in particular. (NAN)
