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

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

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

Mr Umar 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.

The commander said the objective aimed at increasing the country’s crude oil production.

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

Mr Umar, however, said a wooden boat suspected of economic sabotage with nine persons were arrested in the vicinity of one of the wellheads within the Eastern Naval Command area of responsibility.

He said the arrest resulted from joint intelligence collaboration between the security team of the Nigerian Navy and the State Security Service (SSS).

The commander said the arrest demonstrated the Nigerian Navy’s resolve and commitment to reduce maritime-related crimes to the barest minimum.

He said the effort aligned with the Chief of Naval Staff’s desire 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 economic sabotage as the navy was poised to deal ruthlessly with economic saboteurs.

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

(NAN)