Navy Unveils New Strategy to Combat Oil Theft
The Nigerian Navy has initiated “OPERATION DELTA SANITY” to intensify efforts against crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the nation’s maritime domain. The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, officially launched the operation on Wednesday at the NPA Jetty in Warri, Delta.
The new operation, “Operation DELTA SANITY,” replaces its predecessor, “Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO.” The CNS highlighted the timeliness of Operation Delta Sanity, aligning with the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to achieving sustainable development in the Blue Economy sector.
Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO, launched in April 2022, aimed to curb the incidence of crude oil theft. Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla emphasized that the persistent challenges posed by crude oil theft and illegal bunkering pose a significant threat to the nation’s economic prosperity.
“As at December 2021, Nigeria’s crude oil production had fallen from 1.579 million barrels in 2020 to 1.197 million barrels.
“This loss was attributed to pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and operation of Illegal Refining Sites (IRS).
“Accordingly, no effort should be spared in combatting oil theft which constitutes a grave national security threat,” he said.
The naval chief explained that Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO was launched based on the recognition of the significant threat posed by crude oil theft and illegal bunkering to the nation’s economic prosperity.
During the course of Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO, the Navy implemented both kinetic and non-kinetic initiatives across the Niger Delta region. These efforts resulted in the arrest of several vessels and the seizure of both crude oil and refined products.
“These include the landmark arrest of MT HEROIC IDUN in Aug. 22, which prevented the theft of about three million barrels of crude oil.
‘”A total value of over N105 billion worth of crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products were seized during the operation.
“As a result of the Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO, as at September 2023, Nigeria’s crude oil output rose to 1.35 million barrels per day, from about 1 million barrels per day.
“It peaked at 1.57 million barrels per day in October 2023.
“It is my singular honour and privilege to terminate Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO and Flag-off Operation DELTA SANITY.
“I wish all the officers and ratings of participating units fair winds and following seas,” he said.
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s blue economy initiative aims to harness the nation’s potential and derive optimal benefits from the Nigerian maritime environment for economic prosperity. In line with this initiative, the Navy is tasked with enhancing its ongoing operations against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and related activities.
Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla emphasized that the Navy operates within the framework of its constitutional mandate, which includes military, policing, and diplomatic roles. The policing role of the Navy involves enforcing and coordinating the enforcement of anti-bunkering laws in Nigeria.
To further strengthen their operations, the CNS stressed the importance of greater integration of Maritime Domain Awareness facilities and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to enhance situational awareness in the operational area. Additionally, a renewed strategy for the environmentally sustainable handling of seized products and arrested vessels has been reconstituted under Operation DELTA SANITY.
“The operation will incorporate complimentary kinetic and non-kinetic measures to consolidate the successes of the Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO in the Niger Delta area.”
The Chief of Naval Staff urged all participating commands, units, and establishments to work collectively towards achieving the operational objectives set forth in Operation DELTA SANITY. The call to action emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts and commitment from the various elements involved in the operation to effectively combat crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the nation’s maritime space.
“I seek the support of concerned Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as maritime stakeholders to ensure the success of this Operation.
“I believe that all hands will be on deck towards achieving the desired objectives of this Operation.
“This would foster the much-desired economic recovery and development of our great nation,” he said.
The naval chief expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his continuous support to the Nigerian Navy. Additionally, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State extended appreciation to the Navy for the new initiative and pledged to provide support. The governor was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu.
Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), commended the Navy for its efforts in eliminating maritime crimes and maintaining security in Nigeria’s maritime environment.
He highlighted the significant achievements made by the Navy in maritime policing, particularly in preventing oil theft and related activities. Senator Lokpobiri urged all participating units and formations to earnestly pursue the operational objectives of Operation DELTA SANITY with vigor and sincerity.
“I equally solicit the support of all stakeholders and partners to the navy, so that we can derive optimal benefits from this noble initiative,” he said.
During the event, the Chief of Naval Staff also inaugurated a building project at the premises of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta. The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Rear Adm.
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Olusegun Ferreira, Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), and the Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, represented by Director of Navy, Dr. Raji Ogunsola.
Other notable figures present included Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Chindo Yahaya, Mr. Austin Oruoye, a member representing Warri South Constituency, and representatives from other military and para-military organizations, among others. (NAN)
