In a major crackdown on oil theft, the Nigerian Navy’s Quick Response Team, operating under Operation Delta Sanity, has dismantled a suspected crude oil thieves’ camp in Rivers State on Sunday.
According to a statement granted TheMediaGood Newspaper by the Nigerian Navy’s Director of Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, the operation was carried out on Sunday in the Elem-Akrakama and Elem-Tombia areas of Rivers State, resulting in the arrest of two suspects.
The incident began when the Navy team encountered a group of armed suspects aboard two speedboats. The suspects attempted to flee into their camp, prompting a pursuit by the Navy personnel. Utilizing drone surveillance for enhanced situational awareness and precision, the Navy forced the suspects to retreat into the surrounding creeks.
The operation culminated in the destruction of the criminals’ camp and boats. One suspect was neutralized, and two others were apprehended and are currently under investigation. Among the items recovered from the suspects were two outboard engines (200 and 140 horsepower) and two Motorola walkie-talkies.
This operation is part of the broader initiative launched by Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, in January 2024. Operation Delta Sanity aims to combat crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region, deploying additional personnel, platforms, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles for aggressive surveillance and interdiction.
The initiative has seen significant success, leading to its extension in both April and July 2024. Between April and July, 24 suspects and six vessels were apprehended, 122 illegal refinery sites were deactivated, and 57 wooden boats were destroyed.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its warning to those involved in crude oil theft and other illegal activities in Nigeria’s maritime domain, stating its commitment to restoring order in the Niger Delta region.