Kehinde Fajobi
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has announced plans to deploy armed drones to combat illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta.
Speaking on Monday in Port Harcourt during the launch of Operation Delta Sanity 2, Ogalla explained that the region’s challenging terrain and the determination of oil thieves necessitated advanced technology.
“We realised that some of these areas are so difficult to penetrate that even the smallest drones we have cannot reach them. Therefore, we require these armed drones so that when we identify illegal activities, the drones can deactivate them,” Ogalla said.
He noted that the Nigerian Navy initiated Operation Delta Sanity in January 2024 to address oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and maritime crimes, leading to significant successes, including arrests and deactivation of illegal refineries.
However, challenges persist, prompting the operation’s upgrade.
“‘Operation Delta Sanity 2’ will involve improved deployment of maritime domain awareness infrastructure, increased aerial surveillance using our newly acquired air assets and unmanned aerial vehicles, including armed drones which are due to join the service very soon,” Ogalla added.
The Chief of Naval Staff linked the operation to President Bola Tinubu’s economic prosperity agenda, stating it aims to boost legitimate maritime activities and daily crude oil production.
The Minister of State for Oil, Senator Henekin Lokpobiri, praised the Navy for its efforts but expressed concern over increasing oil bunkering activities, particularly at the Trans Niger Pipeline.
He urged the Navy to intensify efforts to end the menace.
Rear Admiral S.A. Akinwande, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, highlighted key achievements of Operation Delta Sanity.
These include the arrest of 215 suspects, the deactivation of 468 illegal refinery sites, and the seizure of over 6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil and 7 million litres of illegally refined diesel.
The operation has also led to the destruction of 361 wooden boats, 1,107 dugout pits, and 279 storage tanks, significantly curbing illegal activities in the region.