The Nigerian Navy through its Operation Delta Sanity destroyed 122 illegal refineries and arrested 22 suspects in major crackdowns on oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta region in two months.
Following this, Emmanuel Ogalla, the chief of naval staff, has announced a 90-day extension of Operation Delta Sanity, a critical initiative aimed at curbing oil theft in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
He emphasised the operation’s pivotal role in implementing President Bola Tinubu’s directive to eradicate crude oil theft and boost Nigeria’s economic productivity.
Adams-Aliu, director of navy information said on Wednesday in Abuja that the operation, initially launched on January 6, 2024, has recorded significant achievements, including the recovery of substantial quantities of stolen oil, the dismantling of illegal refining sites, and the arrest of numerous suspects involved in illicit activities. Recognising the operation’s success, it was previously extended in April 2024.
Samson Bura, commander task group, highlighted the operational gains since April.
‘Notably, 22 suspects were apprehended, and 122 illegal refinery sites were shut down. Additionally, large caches of crude oil and illegally refined products were seized, alongside the deactivation of 57 wooden boats, 45 dugout pits, and 65 storage tanks.
‘The operation also resulted in the arrest of six vessels and the confiscation of various equipment used in illegal refinery operations”, Bura stated.
The extension was announced by Olusegun Ferreira, chief of training and operations, who represented V Ogalla.
He expressed gratitude to Tinubu for his support for the Armed Forces and the Nigerian Navy while urging the public to take note of this extension as part of ongoing efforts to enhance security and economic stability in the region.
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