The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has announced plans by the Nigerian Navy to deploy armed drones as part of efforts to combat illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Monday during the inauguration of Operation Delta Sanity 2, Ogalla highlighted the challenging terrain of the creeks and the increasing sophistication of oil thieves as key reasons for adopting advanced technology.
Ogalla recalled the launch of the initial phase of Operation Delta Sanity in January 2024, aimed at curbing oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other criminal activities in the maritime domain. He stated that the operation recorded significant successes but emphasized the need for a revamped approach in 2025.
“Notwithstanding the successes recorded in Operation Delta Sanity over the past year, numerous challenges persist,” Ogalla said. “To achieve greater results, we intend to enhance the operation with improved maritime domain awareness infrastructure, increased aerial surveillance, and the deployment of newly acquired air assets, including armed drones, which will join the service soon.”
The naval chief explained that the armed drones would be used to access difficult terrains where smaller drones cannot penetrate. “When we identify areas where these illegal activities are taking place, the armed drones will be deployed to neutralize them,” he added.
Ogalla noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for national economic growth and poverty eradication. He disclosed that the first phase of the operation had led to the arrests of numerous vessels and suspects involved in oil theft, the deactivation of several illegal refinery sites, and a boost in Nigeria’s daily crude oil production.
The operation, according to Ogalla, also strengthened collaborations with law enforcement, oil regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders under the framework of the Harmonized Standing Operating Procedure for Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution of Vessels and Persons.
Minister of State for Oil, Senator Henekin Lokpobiri, commended the Nigerian Navy for its efforts but raised concerns over persistent oil theft along the Trans Niger Pipeline. He urged the navy to intensify efforts to address the issue.
In his remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral S.A. Akinwande, reported that since the inception of Operation Delta Sanity, 215 suspects had been arrested, and 468 illegal refinery sites deactivated. Additionally, 6.5 million liters of stolen crude oil and 7 million liters of illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO) were recovered, while 361 wooden boats, 1,107 dugout pits, and 279 storage tanks were dismantled.
The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring maritime security and fostering economic prosperity through the continuation of the operation.
