Navy Launches Operation Delta Sentinel To Enhance Maritime Security, Targets 2.5mbpd Oil Production

The Nigerian Navy has launched Operation Delta Sentinel, a new initiative aimed at strengthening maritime security in the Niger Delta and boosting oil production.

The operation, which replaces Operation Delta Sanity, was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to increase oil exploration and production, with a target of 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027.

It is also seen as a key component and a significant milestone in the Nigerian Navy’s efforts to protect country’s strategic economic assets, improve the economy and ensure peace and stability in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking at the launch ceremony at Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder Jetty, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Commander Task Group 26.1, Operation Delta Sentinel, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, said the operation would run for a year with a 90-day renewal period.

Ibrahim, who is also the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command, emphasised that the Nigerian Navy was committed to denying criminal elements freedom of action, protecting critical national oil assets, and contributing to peace and stability in the Niger Delta.

He said the Operation Delta Sentinel will involve enhanced coordination, intelligence-driven operations, and collaboration with regulators, sister services, security agencies, state governments, and other stakeholders.

The FOC noted that the Navy will also utilise maritime domain awareness infrastructure, new maritime platforms, and manned and unmanned air assets to optimise asset utilisation and improve situational awareness.

Ibrahim further noted that the operation has already shown promising results, with crude oil losses reducing by 90% from 102,900 barrels per day in 2021 to 9,600 barrels per day as of September 25.

“The transformation from Operation Delta Sanity II to Operation Delta Sentinel is necessitated among other considerations, by the Federal Government drive to increased oil exploration and production. Hence, the need to infuse more vigour into preventing crude oil theft and increase oil production in line with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), “Project 1m bpd initiative.

“It is further anticipated that oil production would be about 2.5m bpd by 2027. The divestments of IOC investor portfolio re-ordering to focus on deep offshore development would be closely supported by the Nigerian Navy,” he said.

Ibrahim thanked the Chief of the Naval Staff for his appointment, assuring that under his leadership, the Operation Delta Sentinel will deliver on their mandate.

The FOC said: “Our approach will be deliberate, innovative, and technology-enabled. In this regard, the effective employment of Maritime Domain Awareness infrastructure, new maritime platforms as well as manned and unmanned air assets will remain central to our surveillance and response architecture.

“These capabilities will enable us to optimize asset utilisation, improve situational awareness, and maintain a proactive operational posture.

“I wish to state unequivocally that the Task Group 26.1 is fully prepared to execute this mandate with firmness, professionalism and resolve. Our objective is clear and unambiguous: to deny criminal elements freedom of action, protect critical national Oil assets, support legitimate economic activities and contribute to enduring peace and stability in the Niger Delta.”

Earlier in his remarks, the FOC Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, noted that the Operation Delta Sanity II, which was flagged off on December 30, 2024, and designed to decisively checkmate the menace of crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and allied maritime crimes within Nigeria’s maritime environment, before its termination, had recorded significant successes, including the arrest of 203 suspects, deactivation of 324 illegal refining sites, and seizure of stolen crude oil and other products worth over ₦3.65 billion.

Okehie, who was the Commander, Task Group 25.1
Operation DELTA SANITY II, stated that the Nigerian Navy’s efforts have also contributed to a decline in crude oil losses, with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) reporting that losses dropped to their lowest level since 2009 in September 2025.

“The operation Delta Sanity II lived up to expectations and has made measurable contributions to national security and economic stability.

“The successes recorded under Operation DELTA SANITY II were driven by the effective integration of the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness architecture, robust intelligence-driven and kinetic operations conducted by our gallant officers and ratings, as well as enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies, maritime regulatory authorities, oil industry stakeholders and host communities.

“These were further strengthened by non-kinetic engagements including medical outreach programmes, media sensitisation, educational activities and community engagements, which helped to deepen trust and cooperation at the grassroots level.

“During the period under review, from 1 January to 31 December 2025, the operational outcomes were both substantial and impactful. A total of 203 suspects were arrested, while 324 illegal refining sites were deactivated in accordance with extant regulations.

“Furthermore, an estimated quantity of 3,780,321.25 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,096,815 litres of illegally refined AGO, 86,210 litres of PMS, and 74,300 litres of Kerosene were seized and appropriately handled. In addition, 91 wooden boats, 1,379 dugout pits, 732 ovens, 411 reservoirs, 121 storage tanks, and 7 vessels were arrested or deactivated, alongside several other items and equipment used in the construction and operation of illegal refining facilities,” he stated.