The Nigerian Navy is set to deploy armed fighter drones to intensify efforts against illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.

According to the Navy, these advanced drones will penetrate remote areas where illicit activities thrive, which conventional drones have struggled to access.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, disclosed this during the flag-off ceremony of ‘Operation Delta Sanity 2’ at the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder Jetty in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Ogalla explained that Operation Delta Sanity 2 builds upon the initial Operation Delta Sanity launched in January 2024 to curb economic sabotage.

“In January 2024, the Nigerian Navy launched a Special Maritime Security Operation in the Niger Delta codenamed Operation DELTA SANITY.

“The special operation was designed to curb oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other criminal activities to ensure a secure maritime domain for increased economic activities in line with the President, Commander-in-Chief’s agenda for national economic prosperity and poverty eradication in Nigeria,” Ogalla said.

He highlighted the operation’s achievements, including the arrest of numerous vessels and suspects involved in oil theft, as well as the deactivation of several illegal refining sites.

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“These successes led to significant improvements in legitimate activities in the maritime environment and increased Nigeria’s daily crude oil production, with several oil companies reporting 100 per cent terminal factor.

“The operation also strengthened partnerships with law enforcement and oil regulating agencies, as well as other stakeholders operating under the framework of the Harmonised Standing Operating Procedure for Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution of Vessels and Persons.

“A whole-of-society approach is required to fight maritime crimes, especially oil theft, for increased oil production in Nigeria,” Ogalla stated.

Ogalla further announced plans to enhance the operation for greater efficiency.

“Notwithstanding the successes recorded, the Nigerian Navy intends to rejig Operation DELTA SANITY to achieve better results.

“Rejigging the operation will involve improved deployment of Maritime Domain Awareness infrastructure, increased aerial surveillance using our newly acquired air assets.

“It will also involve Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, increased intelligence gathering for enhanced situational awareness, and efficient maritime security operations. Armed drones, set to join the service soon, will be pivotal to this effort.

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“Some areas are difficult to penetrate, even for our smallest drones. We require armed attack drones to reach and deactivate illegal operations in these locations.

“The operation will incorporate non-kinetic measures to consolidate previous successes and improve collaboration with stakeholders in line with enacted Standard Operating Procedures.

“The goal is to ensure sustained crude oil production exceeding two million barrels per day, in line with the President, Commander-in-Chief’s directives,” he added.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, who was the Special Guest of Honour, expressed concern over attacks on the Trans Niger Pipeline transporting crude to Bonny Export Terminal in Rivers State.

Lokpobiri commended the Navy and other security agencies for their efforts, which have led to increased oil production.

“When I became Minister, we were producing barely a million barrels per day. Today, we are producing 1.8 million barrels per day, and our target is to reach three million barrels by 2025.

“The Trans-Niger Pipeline presents significant challenges as it is a hotspot for crude oil theft and vandalism,” Lokpobiri said.

However, he expressed optimism about the new operation.

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“I believe that with this development, we will address the problem, leading to increased oil production and revenue for the government at all levels.

“This will enable President Bola Tinubu’s administration to finance critical infrastructure projects across the country. It is fundamental to our economic growth,” Lokpobiri noted.

He emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration to sustain the fight and assured continued government support for security agencies.

“I see the target of three million barrels next year as achievable. The President has mandated us to make it happen,” Lokpobiri added.

Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, highlighted the operation’s achievements since January.

“Since its inception, a total of 215 suspects have been arrested, and approximately 468 illegal refinery sites were deactivated.

“Furthermore, 6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil and seven million litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were seized and appropriately handled.

“Additionally, 361 wooden boats, 1,107 dugout pits, and 279 storage tanks were deactivated, while 26 vessels were arrested,” Akinwande said.