By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Nigerian Navy has pledged support for the Federal Government’s plan to achieve 2.5 million barrels per day (mbpd) of crude oil production by 2027, vowing to combat oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other security threats in the Niger Delta and offshore areas.
Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, announced the commitment at the launch of Operation Delta Sentinel at the Navy Ship Pathfinder Jetty in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. The operation, a revamped version of Operation Delta Sanity, will strengthen maritime and riverine security over an initial one-year period, with 90-day renewals.
Ibrahim said the Navy’s efforts will include intelligence-led missions, closer coordination with regulators, security agencies, state governments, and host communities, and the deployment of Maritime Domain Awareness infrastructure, new maritime platforms, and manned and unmanned air assets. He noted that crude oil losses had dropped from 102,900 barrels per day in 2021 to about 9,600 bpd by September 2025, a 90% reduction.
Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, highlighted the successes of Operation Delta Sanity II in 2025, reporting 203 arrests, 324 illegal refining sites deactivated, and millions of litres of stolen petroleum products seized, valued at over ₦3.65 billion.
The Navy confirmed that Operation Delta Sentinel will deploy 10 gunboats, three drones, and other security assets to protect national oil infrastructure and support increased production.
