Considering the renewed effort of the federal government towards attaining sustainable development in the economy, the Nigerian Navy (NN) has launched “Operations Delta Sanity.”
Operation Delta Sanity” replaces Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO, which was launched in April 2022.
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, flagged off the operation on Wednesday at NPA Jetty, Warri, Delta state, saying it will further combat crude oil theft and other criminality in the nation’s maritime space,
He said that the launch of Operation Delta Sanity was timely and that the phased-out Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO was launched in a bid to stem the tide of crude oil theft with support from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Ogalla noted that the menace of crude oil theft and illegal bunkering had constituted a substantial threat to the nation’s economic development and prosperity.
“As of 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 the operation of illegal refining sites (IRS).
“Accordingly, no effort should be spared in combating oil theft, which constitutes a grave national security threat,” he said.
Also speaking, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, thanked the NN for the new operation and promised to offer support.
He was represented by the secretary to the state government in Delta, Dr Kingsley Emu.
In his remark, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), thanked the NN for ridding Nigeria’s maritime environment of crimes.
He noted that the NN had made giant strides in its maritime policing efforts in line with its constitutional mandate, especially through the prevention of oil theft and others.
Lokpobiri urged all participating units and formations to vigorously and sincerely pursue the desired operational objectives of Operation Delta Sanity to enhance the nation’s economic prosperity.
“I equally solicit the support of all stakeholders and partners in the Navy so that we can derive optimal benefits from this noble initiative,” he said.
The CNS further inaugurated a building project at the premises of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta.
In attendance were: Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira, Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, represented by Director of Navy, Dr. Raji Ogunsola, Commander, NNS Delta, and Commodore Chindo Yahaya.
Others were: Mr Austin Oruoye, a member representing Warri South Constituency One at the Delta House of Assembly; Mr Teslim Makojuola, manager of Delta Ports; and representatives of other military and paramilitary.
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