Nigerian Navy Recovers ₦3.65bn in Stolen Crude, Unveils ‘Operation Delta Sentinel’ to Tackle Oil Theft
In a major move to bolster Nigeria’s economic security, the Nigerian Navy has officially transitioned from Operation DELTA SANITY II to a new, more robust phase titled Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
This transition follows a highly successful 2025 campaign that saw the Navy recover stolen petroleum products valued at over ₦3.65 billion. During the formal flag-off ceremony, the CTG 25.1 who is the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command Rear Admiral CD Okehie revealed that the outgoing operation resulted in the arrest of 203 suspects and the deactivation of 324 illegal refining sites, contributing to the lowest crude oil losses reported in Nigeria since 2009.
The outgoing commander further highlighted that between January and December 2025, the Navy seized over 3.7 million litres of stolen crude oil and destroyed an extensive network of criminal infrastructure, including 91 wooden boats and 732 illegal ovens. These efforts, supported by the visionary leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, have not only protected national revenue but have also significantly enhanced Nigeria’s international reputation as a reliable energy producer.
The operation’s success was attributed to the integration of advanced maritime surveillance and strong collaboration with host communities and sister security agencies.
Taking over the mandate, the Commander of Task Group 26.1, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, emphasized that Operation DELTA SENTINEL is designed to align with the Federal Government’s “Project 1mbpd” initiative, which aims to aggressively increase national oil production. The new operation will run for an initial period of one year, focusing on deep offshore developments and protecting the evolving portfolios of International Oil Companies (IOCs).
Admiral Ibrahim noted that with oil production targets set for 2.5 mbpd by 2027, the Navy will intensify its use of technology-enabled surveillance, including manned and unmanned air assets. The new command has declared a zero-tolerance policy toward economic sabotage, vowing to make the Niger Delta increasingly hostile to oil thieves and maritime criminals.
While the previous operation successfully reduced average daily crude oil losses by 90% since 2021, Operation DELTA SENTINEL aims to drive those figures even lower. Rear Admiral Ibrahim reiterated NN’s commitment to professional engagement with host communities, stating that success will ultimately be measured by sustained increases in crude oil production and the continued stability of Nigeria’s maritime domain under the strategic direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
