Oil Theft: Navy Extends Operation Delta Sanity By 90 Days 

In its continuous quest to tackle crude oil theft, the Nigerian Navy has extended the “Operation Delta Sanity” by 90 days.
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, made the announcement onboard the Nigerian Navy Ship, OKPABANA, at Onne, Rivers State.
Represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, Ogalla insisted that the “Operation Delta Sanity”, which was launched on January 6, 2024 to combat oil theft and related crimes, had worked tirelessly to attain its target, while also commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces in general and the Nigerian Navy in particular.
Speaking, the Naval Director of Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said the extension was in line with the President and Commander-in-Chief’s directive to eradicate crude oil theft and ramp up Nigeria’s production for an improved economy.
Adams-Aliu explained that Operation Delta Sanity involved the deployment of personnel, platforms, helicopters and UAVs on aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations across the Niger Delta area.
He said, “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. Hence, the Operation was extended in April 2024 for 90 days”.
In a press briefing, the Commander, Task Group, Rear Admiral Samson Bura, while assessing the achievements of the operation, revealed that since April  this year, a total of 22 suspects have been arrested and about 122 Illegal Refinery Sites deactivated.
“Furthermore, 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 six vessels were arrested.
“Additionally, several items and equipment used in the construction of illegal refineries were seized. The achievements and successes of Operation Delta Sanity underscore the need for the operation to be extended.
“Hence the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla has approved the extension of Operation Delta Sanity for a further 90 days”, Bura stated.