The Nigerian Navy has pledged to support the Federal Government’s projection of achieving 2.5 million barrels per day crude oil production by 2027, with renewed commitment to combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism across the Niger Delta region and offshore areas.
The Navy said this commitment would be demonstrated through increased presence within the maritime environment to decisively confront acts of economic sabotage.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, made this known on Tuesday at the launch of Operation Delta Sentinel at the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder Jetty in Port Harcourt.
Ibrahim, who also serves as Commander, Task Group 26.1, Operation Delta Sentinel, explained that the new operation represents a transformation of the former Operation Delta Sanity and is designed to strengthen maritime security across the Niger Delta and offshore areas for an initial one-year period.
“The transformation from Operation Delta Sanity is necessitated, among other considerations, by the Federal Government’s drive to increase oil exploration and production. Hence, the need to infuse more vigour into preventing crude oil theft and increase oil production in line with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) ‘Project 1mbpd initiative’.
“It is further anticipated that oil production would be about 2.5mbpd by 2027. The divestments of International Oil Companies and investor portfolio reordering to focus on deep offshore development would be closely supported by the Nigerian Navy.
“Accordingly, Operation Delta Sentinel will run for a period of one year with a 90-day renewal,” Ibrahim said, while thanking the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for the opportunity to serve as Commander of Task Group 26.1 for what he described as an important national assignment.
He said the transition from Operation Delta Sanity to Operation Delta Sentinel underscores the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to strengthen its operational posture, consolidate gains already achieved, and respond more effectively to evolving maritime, offshore and riverine security threats in the Niger Delta.
Ibrahim assured that the operation would be prosecuted through enhanced coordination, intelligence-driven operations, and closer collaboration with regulators, sister services, security agencies, state governments and other relevant stakeholders.
“Our approach will be deliberate, innovative and technology-enabled. In this regard, the effective employment of Maritime Domain Awareness infrastructure, new maritime platforms, as well as manned and unmanned air assets, will remain central to our surveillance and response architecture.
“These capabilities will enable us to optimise asset utilisation, improve situational awareness and maintain a proactive operational posture. Recall that in 2021, reported average crude oil losses stood at 102,900bpd; however, as at September 2025, this had reduced by 90 per cent to 9,600bpd, and it is hoped that this would further decline,” he disclosed.
He stated that Task Group 26.1 was fully prepared to execute its mandate with firmness, professionalism and resolve.
“Our objective is clear and unambiguous: to deny criminal elements freedom of action, protect critical national oil assets, support legitimate economic activities and contribute to enduring peace and stability in the Niger Delta,” he said.
Ibrahim also charged commanders and personnel involved in the operation to remain vigilant, disciplined and mission-focused while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, adding that responsible engagement with host communities remains critical to operational success and public confidence.
On performance indicators, he stressed that “the success of Operation Delta Sentinel will not be measured solely by arrests or seizures, but by sustained increases in crude oil production, improved maritime security, enhanced confidence within the operating environment, and the effective protection of Nigeria’s critical maritime assets. I am confident that, with all hands on deck, we will deliver on this important national mandate.”
Earlier, while marking the termination of Operation Delta Sanity and the transition to Operation Delta Sentinel, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, recalled that Operation Delta Sanity II was launched on December 30, 2024, to consolidate gains from the earlier phase.
Okehie, who served as Commander, Task Group 25.1, Operation Delta Sanity II, said the operation was designed to decisively check crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and related maritime crimes within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
“I am pleased to state that the operation has lived up to expectations and has made measurable contributions to national security and economic stability,” he said.
According to him, during the period from January 1 to December 31, 2025, a total of 203 suspects were arrested, while 324 illegal refining sites were deactivated in line with extant regulations.
“Furthermore, an estimated quantity of 3,780,321.25 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,096,815 litres of illegally refined AGO, 86,210 litres of PMS, and 74,300 litres of kerosene were seized and appropriately handled,” Okehie added.
“In cumulative financial terms, and based on prevailing global crude oil prices and official exchange rates, the products seized and appropriately handled under Operation Delta Sanity II represent an estimated economic value in excess of ₦3.65 billion.
“This figure excludes the value of vessels, boats, equipment and infrastructure destroyed, which means that the real economic protection impact is substantially higher,” he stated.
At the event, naval personnel conducted gunboat manoeuvres and aerial displays, while 10 gunboats, three drones and other equipment, not listed for security reasons, were deployed for Operation Delta Sentinel.
