By Victor Akaa
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has extended Operation DELTA SANITY (OPDS) by 90 days to consolidate gains in the fight against oil theft and related crimes. The announcement was made onboard Nigerian Navy Ship OKPABANA at Onne, Rivers State, by Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, Chief of Training and Operations.
According to a statement by Commodore Adams Aliu, Director of Information, NN, the operation has recorded significant successes since its launch on January 6, 2024. These include the recovery of massive quantities of stolen products, the dismantling of illegal refining sites, and the arrest of suspects.
At a press briefing on July 9, 2024, Rear Admiral Samson Bura, Commander Task Group, revealed that since the operation’s extension in April 2024, 22 suspects have been arrested, 122 illegal refinery sites deactivated, and large quantities of crude oil and illegally refined products seized. Additionally, 57 wooden boats, 45 dugout pits, and 65 storage tanks were deactivated, while 6 vessels were arrested.
The Chief of Naval Staff has approved the further extension of Operation DELTA SANITY for 90 days, effective from July 10, 2024. Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support to the military.
This extension demonstrates the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to eradicating oil theft and enhancing the nation’s economic security, according to Enugu Reporters.
