The Nigerian Navy has launched Operation DELTA SENTINEL, a new maritime security offensive aimed at strengthening the fight against crude oil theft and safeguarding national revenue, building on the landmark successes recorded during the just-concluded Operation DELTA SANITY II.
Operation DELTA SANITY II, which ran throughout 2025, delivered unprecedented results in Nigeria’s anti–oil theft campaign. The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command and Commander Task Group 25.1, Rear Admiral CD Okehie, disclosed that naval operations led to the recovery of stolen petroleum products valued at over ₦3.65 billion, the arrest of 203 suspects, and the dismantling of 324 illegal refining camps. These achievements, he said, contributed significantly to Nigeria recording its lowest crude oil losses since 2009.
According to Rear Admiral Okehie, more than 3.7 million litres of stolen crude oil were seized during the operation. Naval forces also neutralised extensive criminal logistics networks, including 91 wooden boats, 732 illegal refining ovens, and other assets used to sustain large-scale oil theft. He attributed the success to improved maritime domain awareness, enhanced surveillance capabilities, and strong collaboration with host communities and sister security agencies, under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
Building on this momentum, the Navy has now activated Operation DELTA SENTINEL under the leadership of the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, who also serves as Commander Task Group 26.1. The new operation is designed to support the Federal Government’s Project 1mbpd initiative aimed at rapidly scaling up oil production and securing critical offshore assets.
Rear Admiral Ibrahim explained that Operation DELTA SENTINEL will initially run for one year, with a strong focus on deep offshore operations and the protection of International Oil Companies’ expanding investments. As Nigeria targets crude oil production of 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027, the Navy plans to deploy a combination of manned and unmanned aerial platforms, alongside other technology-driven surveillance tools, to outpace criminal networks.
Reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on economic sabotage, the Navy warned that the Niger Delta would become increasingly hostile to oil thieves and maritime criminals. While Operation DELTA SANITY II reduced daily crude oil losses by about 90 per cent compared to 2021 levels, Operation DELTA SENTINEL aims to further suppress losses and consolidate gains.
Rear Admiral Ibrahim stressed that sustained engagement with host communities would remain central to the Navy’s strategy, noting that long-term success would be measured by consistent growth in crude oil output and the continued security of Nigeria’s maritime environment, in line with the strategic vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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