Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
THE Nigerian Navy has inaugurated a new, year-long security initiative in the Niger Delta, dubbed “Operation Delta Sentinel,” with the ambitious aim of bolstering maritime security and significantly ramping up the nation’s oil output.
The operation, which officially replaces “Operation Delta Sanity II,” was flagged off on Tuesday at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder Jetty in Port Harcourt. It represents a central plank in the government’s strategy to revitalise the economy by cracking down on crude oil theft and targeting production of 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027.
Leading the charge, Rear Admiral Sulieman Ibrahim, Commander of Task Group 26.1 for the new operation, stated that “Operation Delta Sentinel” will employ enhanced coordination, intelligence-led missions, and close collaboration with regulators, sister security agencies, and state governments.
The initiative will also heavily utilise new maritime platforms and advanced surveillance technology, including manned and unmanned aerial assets.
“The transformation to Operation Delta Sentinel is necessitated by the Federal Government’s drive to increase oil exploration and production,” Rear Admiral Ibrahim explained.
He highlighted that the navy is poised to closely support the divestment strategies of international oil companies as they shift focus to deep offshore developments.
Promising early results were noted, with the Commander revealing that crude oil losses have already plummeted by 90%—from 102,900 barrels per day in 2021 to just 9,600 barrels per day as of late September this year.
“Our approach will be deliberate, innovative, and technology-enabled,” Ibrahim affirmed. “Our objective is clear and unambiguous: to deny criminal elements freedom of action, protect critical national oil assets, and contribute to enduring peace and stability in the Niger Delta.”
The outgoing operation, Delta Sanity II, was hailed for its substantial achievements since its launch in December 2024. Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, its former commander, reported the arrest of 203 suspects, the deactivation of 324 illegal refining sites, and the seizure of stolen crude and petroleum products valued at over ₦3.65 billion.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission credited these efforts with driving crude oil losses to their lowest level since 2009 by September 2025.
With “Operation Delta Sentinel” now formally activated, the Nigerian Navy signals a renewed and vigourous phase in its campaign to secure the nation’s vital maritime economic zone.
