The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has announced the extension of “OPERATION DELTA SANITY” for an additional ninety days, effective Thursday, 10th October 2024.
Flag Officer Commanding(FOC), Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Samson Bura disclosed this at a Press briefing in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Rear Admiral Bura underscored the remarkable achievements the operations had recorded, particularly in checkmating the menace of crude oil theft and other illegalities within Nigeria’s Maritime Environment.
The Naval Commander disclosed that the operation has been conducted, leveraging technologies from the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain awareness facilities, intelligence inputs and kinetic operations.
Others are non-kinetic approaches ranging from medical, media, educational outreaches and community engagements amongst others.
According to the FOC, Since the extension in July 2024, a total of 55 suspects have been arrested while about 124 Illegal Refinery Sites were deactivated by extant regulations.
Furthermore, a total of 116 wooden boats, 543 dugout pits and 64 storage tanks were deactivated while 6 vessels were arrested. Additionally, several items and equipment used in the construction of illegal refineries were seized.
These achievements have impacted positively on the Nation’s oil production. According to the NNPCL, the country currently produces 1.7 million barrels per day. This constitutes a significant increase compared to about 1.3 million barrels per day in June 2024.
Based on the achievements and successes recorded so far, the Chief of the Naval Staff has graciously approved the extension of “OPERATION DELTA SANITY” for another 90 days with effect from today, 10 Oct 24.
“These efforts will be sustained to ensure zero tolerance of crude oil theft in the nation’s maritime environment.
At this point, on behalf of the Task Group, I extend our appreciation to other security agencies, maritime stakeholders, community leaders and youths as well as members of the press and other well-meaning Nigerians for their continuous support and collaboration in the fight against crude oil theft,” Naval Commander averred.
The Flag Officer Commanding expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla Admiralty Medal, for initiating this all-important operation and for his continuous support, while also wishing all participating Ships and Units fair winds and following seas.
On January 10th, 2024, “OPERATION DELTA SANITY” was initiated to continue the progress achieved during “OPERATION DAKATAR DA BARAWO.”
The operational plan known as OPERATION DELTA SANITY was initially scheduled for 90 days but was subsequently extended twice, on April 10, 2024, and July 10, 2024, for an additional 90 days each time.
Lantana Nasir
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