Navy Launches Operation Against Oil Theft In Akwa Ibom

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka in Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom State have solicited the cooperation of the host community to ensure the success of ‘Operation Delta Sanity 11’ which is aimed at clearing oil thieves and other maritime criminals from coastal waters of the Niger Delta.

The FOB at the weekend launched a host community intervention programme with a donation of educational materials to Saint Paul’s African Primary School in Mbo LGA.

The Commanding Officer, FOB, Ibaka, Capt. Uche Aneke, who made the donation yesterday, said the gesture was part of efforts to start ‘Operation Delta Sanity 1’ and foster civil/military relationships with host communities.

He told the students that ‘Operation Delta Sanity 11’, was in line with the renewed effort of the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla to stop crude oil theft.

He enlightened them on the economic and environmental effects of illegal oil bunkering and smuggling of petroleum products, as well as the security consequences on the Nigerian maritime environment.
Aneke said the civil-military cooperation exercise which involved educational outreach and community services among others, became necessary in order to drive the message in a non-kinetic line of operation.

He added that under the current leadership of CNS Ogalla, such community services would be consistent and sustainable gesture for the host communities.

Delivering a lecture to female students of the school on the theme, “The impact of Girl-Child Education on the Community Development Focusing on the Ibaka community,” Aneke, urged them to take their studies seriously and observe good hygiene.