Operation Delta Sentinel replaces Delta Sanity as Navy intensifies fight against oil theft in Niger Delta and offshore
The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s target of achieving 2.5 million barrels of crude oil per day by 2027, pledging intensified action against oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage in the Niger Delta and offshore areas.
The Navy said the renewed effort would be driven by an expanded operational presence across Nigeria’s maritime environment to deny criminal networks freedom of action.
The pledge was made on Tuesday in Port Harcourt by the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, at the official launch of Operation Delta Sentinel at the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder Jetty.
Rear Admiral Ibrahim, who also serves as Commander, Task Group 26.1 of Operation Delta Sentinel, said the new operation is a restructured version of the former Operation Delta Sanity, designed to further strengthen maritime, riverine and offshore security over an initial one-year period.
According to him, the transition was necessitated by the Federal Government’s renewed push to boost oil production and protect critical energy infrastructure.
“The transformation from Operation Delta Sanity is driven by the Federal Government’s determination to increase oil exploration and production,” Ibrahim said. “There is therefore a need to inject more vigour into efforts to curb crude oil theft and support increased output in line with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s Project 1mbpd initiative.”
He disclosed that national oil production is projected to rise to about 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027, noting that the Nigerian Navy would also support ongoing divestments by international oil companies and the shift toward deep offshore investments.
Operation Delta Sentinel, he said, will run for one year with reviews every 90 days, thanking the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for the opportunity to lead what he described as a critical national assignment.
Rear Admiral Ibrahim explained that the new operation reflects the Navy’s resolve to consolidate existing gains while responding more effectively to emerging maritime security threats in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the operation would rely on enhanced coordination, intelligence-led missions and stronger collaboration with regulatory agencies, sister services, security institutions, state governments and host communities.
“Our strategy will be deliberate, innovative and technology-driven,” he said. “The deployment of Maritime Domain Awareness infrastructure, new maritime platforms, and both manned and unmanned air assets will remain central to our surveillance and response framework.”
He revealed that Nigeria recorded average crude oil losses of 102,900 barrels per day in 2021, but by September 2025, losses had dropped by 90 per cent to about 9,600 barrels per day, expressing optimism that the figure would decline further.
The naval commander stressed that Task Group 26.1 is fully prepared to execute its mandate with professionalism and resolve.
“Our objective is clear: to protect critical national oil assets, deny criminal elements freedom of action, support legitimate economic activities and contribute to lasting peace and stability in the Niger Delta,” he said.
He also urged personnel involved in the operation to remain disciplined and mission-focused, while maintaining responsible engagement with host communities to sustain public trust.
According to Ibrahim, the success of Operation Delta Sentinel would not be measured only by arrests or seizures, but by sustained growth in crude oil production, improved maritime security and increased investor confidence.
Earlier, while marking the conclusion of Operation Delta Sanity II, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, said the operation had recorded significant successes since it was launched on December 30, 2024.
Okehie, who served as Commander, Task Group 25.1, said the operation was aimed at tackling crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and related maritime crimes.
He disclosed that between January 1 and December 31, 2025, a total of 203 suspects were arrested, while 324 illegal refining sites were dismantled.
During the period, naval operatives seized over 3.78 million litres of stolen crude oil, 1.09 million litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO), 86,210 litres of PMS, and 74,300 litres of kerosene.
Okehie said the seized products were valued at more than ₦3.65 billion, noting that the estimate excludes the value of destroyed vessels, equipment and illegal infrastructure.
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