Navy vows crackdown to lift oil output to 2.5mbpd by 2027, launching Operation Delta Sentinel to fight oil theft and pipeline vandalism

The Nigerian Navy on Tuesday pledged to support the Federal Government’s target of raising crude oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027, with a renewed crackdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism across the Niger Delta and offshore.

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The commitment was announced by the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, at the launch of Operation Delta Sentinel at the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder Jetty in Port Harcourt.

Ibrahim, who is also Commander of Task Group 26.1, said the new operation replaces Operation Delta Sanity and will run initially for one year with 90-day renewals, aimed at strengthening maritime security in support of higher oil output.

“The transformation is necessitated by the Federal Government’s drive to increase oil exploration and production,” Ibrahim said, adding that the operation aligns with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s Project 1mbpd initiative.

He said oil production is projected to reach about 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027, as international oil companies shift investment towards deep offshore developments and divest from onshore assets.

Ibrahim said Operation Delta Sentinel would rely on intelligence-led operations, enhanced coordination and the use of new maritime platforms, drones and surveillance systems to deny criminal groups freedom of action.

He said reported crude oil losses had fallen from an average of 102,900 barrels per day in 2021 to about 9,600 barrels per day by September 2025, a reduction of roughly 90 per cent, and expressed confidence the figure would fall further.

“Our objective is clear: to protect critical national oil assets, support legitimate economic activities and contribute to peace and stability in the Niger Delta,” Ibrahim said.

He urged naval personnel to remain professional, disciplined and vigilant, while also engaging responsibly with host communities to maintain public trust.

Earlier, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, said Operation Delta Sanity II, which ran from January to December 2025, had recorded significant successes.

Okehie said 203 suspects were arrested, 324 illegal refining sites were deactivated and petroleum products worth more than ₦3.65 billion were seized during the operation.

He said the seizures included about 3.78 million litres of stolen crude oil, more than one million litres of illegally refined diesel, and tens of thousands of litres of petrol and kerosene.

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Naval personnel also conducted gunboat manoeuvres and aerial displays at the launch, while 10 gunboats, three drones and other security assets were deployed for the new operation.