The Nigerian Navy officially transitioned from Operation DELTA SANITY II to a new phase known as Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following the recovery of stolen petroleum products valued at some billions. The flag-off ceremony 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, resulting in the lowest crude oil losses recorded since 2009 and consequent increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production output.
Rear Admiral Okehie further stated that between January and December 2025, the Navy seized over 3.7 million litres of stolen crude oil and dismantled extensive criminal infrastructure, including 91 wooden boats and 732 illegal ovens. He attributed the success of the operation to effective leadership under the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal) improved maritime surveillance, and strong collaboration with host communities and sister security agencies, which collectively enhanced national revenue protection and Nigeria’s standing 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, stated that Operation DELTA SENTINEL is aligned with the Federal Government’s Project 1mbpd initiative and will run for an initial period of one year. He noted that the operation will focus on deep offshore security, protection of International Oil Company assets, and intensified 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 continued growth in crude oil production and maritime security.
