By SUNDAY BASSEY

The Nigerian Navy, Operation Delta Sanity 2, has arrested nine suspected oil thieves at a wellhead, located at about 26 nautical miles offshore in Akwa Ibom.

The Commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore Abubakar Umar, stated this in a press briefing at Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.

He said that the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, flagged off Operation Delta Sanity 2 on Dec. 30, 2024 as a continuation of the mandate of Operation DELTA SANITY 1.

He explained that the operation?s objective was to checkmate crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, smuggling, sea robbery and piracy amongst other maritime crimes in the Eastern flank of the country?s maritime environment.

Umar said that the objective aimed at increasing the country?s crude oil production.

He added the since the launch of the operation, the Task Group had conducted series of maritime and air patrols as well as interdiction operations.

He, however said that a wooden boat suspected to be carrying out act of economic sabotage with nine persons were arrested at the vicinity of one of the wellheads within Eastern Naval Command area of responsibility.

Umar said the arrest was a result of joint intelligence collaboration between the security team of the Nigerian Navy and the Department of State Service (DSS).

He said that the arrest demonstrated the Nigerian Navy?s resolve and commitment to reduce maritime-related crimes in the nation to the barest minimum.

He said that the effort aligned with the desire of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, for a synergy between the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

The Commander warned oil thieves and other criminal elements operating in the country?s Eastern flank to desist from their acts of economic sabotage as the Navy was poised to deal ruthlessly with economic saboteurs.

According to Umar, the suspects will be thoroughly investigated and if found wanting, they will face the full wrath of the law. (NAN)

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