NIGERIAN NAVY REPLACES OPERATION DELTA SANITY WITH DELTA SENTINEL

The Nigerian Navy has rolled out a new maritime security operation, code-named Operation Delta Sentinel, as part of renewed efforts to curb crude oil theft, secure critical national assets, and support the Federal Government’s oil production target of 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027.

The operation was formally launched at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder Jetty in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, marking the end of Operation Delta Sanity and the beginning of a more coordinated security strategy for the Niger Delta’s waterways.

Speaking at the event, the Commander of Task Group 26.1, Operation Delta Sentinel, Rear Admiral Sulieiman Ibrahim, said the initiative would run for an initial one-year period, subject to review every 90 days. He explained that the operation is designed to deny criminal networks access to Nigeria’s maritime domain while reinforcing peace and economic stability in the oil-rich region.

“Our focus is to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure and ensure that criminal elements have no freedom to operate,” Ibrahim said, noting that the Navy would rely on intelligence-led operations, improved coordination, and collaboration with security agencies, regulators, state governments, and other stakeholders.

The Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command added that the Navy would deploy advanced maritime domain awareness systems, modern naval platforms, and both manned and unmanned air assets to enhance surveillance and rapid response across the region.

Early indicators suggest the strategy is already yielding results. According to Ibrahim, crude oil losses have dropped significantly from about 102,900 barrels per day in 2021 to approximately 9,600 barrels per day as of September 2025 representing a reduction of nearly 90 percent.

Also speaking, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, highlighted the achievements of the outgoing Operation Delta Sanity II, which he previously commanded. He said the operation recorded major successes, including the arrest of over 200 suspects, the shutdown of hundreds of illegal refining sites, and the seizure of stolen petroleum products valued at more than ₦3.65 billion.

Okehie added that data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission shows crude oil losses fell to their lowest level since 2009 in September 2025, underscoring the impact of sustained naval operations.

The Navy expressed confidence that Operation Delta Sentinel would build on these gains, strengthen maritime security, and play a critical role in boosting Nigeria’s oil production and economic recovery.