By: Bayero Ade
The Nigerian Navy, under Operation Delta Sanity 2, has apprehended nine individuals suspected of engaging in oil theft near a wellhead located approximately 26 nautical miles off the coast of Akwa Ibom State.
According to Afripost, Speaking during a press briefing in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area, Commodore Abubakar Umar, Commander of NNS Jubilee, disclosed that the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal activities in the country’s maritime sector. He explained that Operation Delta Sanity 2, launched on December 30, 2024, by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, is a continuation of Operation Delta Sanity 1. The operation aims to combat crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, smuggling, piracy, and other maritime crimes in Nigeria’s eastern waters.
Umar further revealed that a wooden boat, suspected to be used for economic sabotage, was intercepted near a wellhead within the Eastern Naval Command’s jurisdiction. He credited the successful operation to joint intelligence efforts between the Nigerian Navy and the Department of State Services (DSS). The Navy remains committed to securing Nigeria’s maritime resources and ensuring the nation’s crude oil production is not undermined by illegal activities.
Issuing a stern warning to oil thieves and other criminal elements, Umar urged them to abandon their illicit operations, emphasizing that the Navy will continue to take decisive action against offenders. He assured that the arrested suspects will undergo thorough investigations, and if found guilty, they will face legal consequences.
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