The Nigerian Navy, under Operation Delta Sanity 2, has arrested nine suspected oil thieves at a wellhead located about 26 nautical miles offshore in Akwa Ibom State.
Commodore Abubakar Umar, Commander of NNS Jubilee, disclosed this during a press briefing on Saturday in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area.
According to Umar, Operation Delta Sanity 2 was launched on December 30, 2024, by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, as a continuation of efforts under Operation Delta Sanity 1.
He explained that the operation aims to combat crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, smuggling, sea robbery, and piracy, among other maritime crimes in the eastern axis of Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The ultimate goal, he said, is to boost crude oil production by eliminating illegal activities in the sector.
Umar revealed that a wooden boat, suspected to be involved in economic sabotage, was intercepted near a wellhead within the Eastern Naval Command’s area of responsibility.
The arrest was made following joint intelligence efforts between the Nigerian Navy and the Department of State Services (DSS).
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to eradicating maritime-related crimes, emphasizing that this operation reflects the Chief of Naval Staff’s vision for enhanced collaboration between the armed forces and other security agencies.
The commander issued a strong warning to oil thieves and criminal elements operating in the Eastern region, urging them to abandon their illicit activities.
He stressed that the Navy remains fully committed to tackling economic sabotage and will not hesitate to take decisive action against offenders.
He further stated that the arrested suspects will undergo thorough investigations, and if found guilty, they will face the full weight of the law.