Nigerian Navy : Delta Sanity Gets New Operational Code Name To Combat Oil Theft 

The Nigerian Navy has launched Operation DELTA SENTINEL, a bold new phase succeeding the highly successful Operation DELTA SANITY II.

Flag-off on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, came after recovering stolen petroleum products worth billions, marking the Navy’s intensified push to safeguard Nigeria’s oil sector.

Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, Commander Task Group 25.1 and Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, hailed the transition.

According to a statement , DELTA SANITY II arrested 203 suspects, shut down 324 illegal refining sites, seized over 3.7 million litres of stolen crude oil, and dismantled 91 wooden boats plus 732 illegal ovens, driving Nigeria’s lowest crude losses since 2009 and boosting production.

Now, Operation DELTA SENTINEL takes center stage under Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, Commander Task Group 26.1 and Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command.

Aligned with the Federal Government’s Project 1mbpd initiative, it runs for one year with sharpened focus on deep offshore security, protecting International Oil Company assets, and deploying advanced tech like manned and unmanned surveillance platforms.

Rear Admiral Ibrahim vowed zero tolerance for economic sabotage, deeper community ties, and relentless growth in oil output and maritime security.

Success stems from Vice Admiral Idi Abbas’s leadership, enhanced surveillance, and partnerships with communities and agencies—elevating national revenue and Nigeria’s global energy profile.