Oil Theft: Navy to Deploy Drones, Attack Helicopters in Niger Delta
The Nigerian Navy has launched Operation Delta Sanity II as part of its efforts to combat oil theft and other maritime crimes in the Niger Delta region. The operation is aimed at increasing security and curbing illegal activities such as pipeline vandalism.
Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, disclosed that the operation would involve deploying newly acquired drones, attack helicopters, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to improve surveillance and maritime security. The mission’s goal aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda of increasing Nigeria’s oil production to over 2 million barrels per day.
Operation Delta Sanity has already achieved success in previous iterations, leading to the arrest of numerous suspects and the deactivation of illegal refining sites. However, the Navy recognized the need to intensify efforts to further combat oil theft. The rejigged strategy will include better intelligence gathering and non-kinetic measures to consolidate previous achievements.
During the flag-off ceremony in Port Harcourt, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpibiri, highlighted the importance of stakeholder collaboration with the Navy to end oil theft. He emphasized that higher oil production would lead to more revenue for the country and benefit all levels of government.
Rear Admiral SA Akinwade, the Flag Officer Commanding East Command, shared the operation’s success, reporting that since its inception, 215 suspects have been arrested, 468 illegal refinery sites deactivated, and substantial quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products seized. These efforts have contributed to an increase in the country’s crude oil production.
Enyimba Unveil Ex-Super Eagles Striker Ideye
By Affa Acho
Enyimba FC have officially unveiled Brown Ideye, a former Super Eagles striker, as their new signing. The 36-year-old is expected to strengthen the team for the remainder of the season.
Ideye has been training with the nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions for several weeks. The club announced the signing on their official website, expressing excitement about the experience and professionalism Ideye will bring to the team, especially under the guidance of the new coach.
Ideye returns to the NPFL after a long career abroad, having last played for Kuwaiti club Al-Yarmouk. His earlier career in Nigeria included a brief spell with Ocean Boys in the 2006/07 season.
