Nigerian Navy’s _Operation Delta Sanity_, launched to combat rampant crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, is yielding significant results, boosting the nation’s economy through increased oil production.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Naval Warfare Course 9 in Calabar on Friday, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, announced that the operation has curtailed criminal activities in the maritime domain.
“Our Operation Delta Sanity has led to numerous arrests and created an environment where criminals struggle to operate,” he declared, emphasizing the Navy’s role in securing Nigeria’s vital oil resources.
Crude oil theft has long been a scourge in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, siphoning off billions in revenue, deterring investors, and fueling insecurity while causing environmental devastation. This persistent challenge has undermined the nation’s economic stability and enabled criminal networks to thrive.
By deploying 52 personnel trained in August 2024 to oil platforms, the Navy has intensified efforts to curb these losses.
Ogalla noted, “This has contributed to the continuous rise in crude oil production reported in recent months,” highlighting the operation’s impact on national revenue and investor confidence.
Ogalla commended the collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, and international partners, stating, “Their contributions have enhanced transparency in the oil industry and strengthened national security.”
He urged the newly graduated officers to leverage their training to sustain these efforts, warning, “You will face challenges that test your skills, but we expect you to lead with excellence.”
Commandant of the Naval Warfare College, Rear Admiral Akinola Olodude, credited strategic partnerships with the European Union, University of Calabar, and the Republic of Cameroon for enriching the training.
“Their expertise has been vital to our capacity development,” he said.
The eight-month course, attended by 30 participants, including officers from Ghana, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, covered maritime security, leadership, and strategy, with study tours to Delta, Rivers, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Course Coordinator, Captain Suleiman Abdullahi, highlighted the program’s rigor, including seminars, joint exercises like Skylock 2025, and assessments of leadership and military bearing.
“All participants successfully completed the course and defended their research projects,” he said, affirming their readiness to tackle maritime threats.
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Odey, praised the Navy’s efforts in securing the state’s waterways.
“Their proactive measures have disrupted kidnappers’ escape routes, restoring safety,” Otu said, pledging continued support for the Navy’s mission to promote security and development. (NAN)
