The Nigerian Navy has launched a new maritime security operation, Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following the successful conclusion of Operation DELTA SANITY II, which recorded major breakthroughs against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
The flag-off ceremony, held on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, was conducted by the Commander Task Group 25.1 and Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, who disclosed that the outgoing operation led to the arrest of 203 suspects and the deactivation of 324 illegal refining sites across the region.
Rear Admiral Okehie said the sustained naval operations resulted in the recovery of petroleum products valued at several billions of naira, contributing to the lowest crude oil losses recorded since 2009 and a corresponding rise in Nigeria’s crude oil production. He added that between January and December 2025, the Navy seized over 3.7 million litres of stolen crude oil, dismantled 91 wooden boats, and destroyed 732 illegal refining ovens used by criminal syndicates.
He attributed the successes to the strategic leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), improved maritime domain awareness, and enhanced cooperation with host communities and sister security agencies, which collectively strengthened national revenue protection and Nigeria’s position in the global energy market.
Taking over the mandate, the Commander Task Group 26.1 and Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, said Operation DELTA SENTINEL is aligned with the Federal Government’s Project 1 Million Barrels Per Day (1mbpd) initiative and will run initially for one year.
He explained that the new operation will focus on deep offshore security, protection of International Oil Company assets, and expanded deployment of technology-driven surveillance, including manned and unmanned platforms. Rear Admiral Ibrahim reaffirmed the Navy’s zero-tolerance stance on economic sabotage and its commitment to sustained engagement with host communities to ensure improved crude oil production and enhanced maritime security nationwide.
