In a bold move to combat the persistent menace of oil theft in the Niger Delta, the Nigerian Navy is stepping up its fight by deploying armed drones as part of its strategy to tackle illegal oil bunkering. This new initiative, announced by Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, aims to revolutionize the approach to fighting oil theft and environmental degradation, particularly in hard-to-reach areas that have long been a sanctuary for criminals.
Speaking at the unveiling of Operation Delta Sanity 2 in Port Harcourt on December 30, 2024, Ogalla emphasized the challenges of operating within the creeks and swamps of the region, where terrain difficulties have limited the effectiveness of smaller drone units. The decision to introduce advanced technology, including armed drones, reflects both the complexity of the task at hand and the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to curbing oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and related criminal activities.
“The terrain is extremely difficult,” Ogalla acknowledged during the event. “Even our smallest drones struggle to reach certain areas. This is why the addition of armed drones is necessary; when we pinpoint where criminal activities are taking place, we can now guide the drones directly to these locations and neutralize the threat.”
This technological leap is a critical extension of the Operation Delta Sanity initiative launched in January 2024, which already marked a significant milestone in the Navy’s efforts to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders and revitalize its oil production. The original operation, designed to restore safety in the region and enhance Nigeria’s economic prospects, had resulted in numerous arrests, the discovery of illegal refining sites, and an overall reduction in illicit oil activities. However, Ogalla stressed that there was still much to be done and promised even greater outcomes in the upcoming year.
“We recognize that there are still challenges in the fight against oil bunkering,” he remarked. “But we are confident that with the second phase of Operation Delta Sanity, which will bring in even greater aerial surveillance capabilities, we’ll secure more victories in 2025.”
The success of the first phase of Operation Delta Sanity has already been felt in the region. The Nigerian Navy reported that through collaborative efforts with law enforcement and regulatory agencies, significant strides have been made in both arrests and the identification of illegal refining operations.
“Since its launch, we’ve arrested 215 suspects, deactivated over 460 illegal refining sites, and seized millions of liters of stolen crude oil,” said Rear Admiral S.A. Akinwande, the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command. “Through our sustained efforts, about 361 wooden boats, 1,107 dugout pits, and 279 storage tanks used in illegal bunkering were neutralized.”
One of the main issues driving oil theft in the region remains the Trans Niger Pipeline, where much of the illicit activity takes place. Addressing this growing problem, Senator Henekin Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Oil, commended the Navy for its previous successes but urged a continued, focused crackdown on oil bunkering along the Trans Niger Pipeline.
“The situation has worsened,” Senator Lokpobiri admitted. “While we acknowledge the successes of the Nigerian Navy, oil theft in the Trans Niger Pipeline area remains a major threat, and we must take every possible action to stop these criminals from exploiting our resources.”
Nigeria has struggled for years with the destructive economic and environmental effects of oil bunkering, a practice that depletes the nation’s resources and worsens pollution. According to some estimates, Nigeria loses billions of dollars each year due to illegal oil theft and refining.
The introduction of drones comes on the heels of an increasing number of oil theft operations throughout the Niger Delta, as organized criminal groups seek ever more sophisticated ways to evade law enforcement. With this latest development, the Nigerian Navy is not only hoping to identify and combat illegal bunkering but also to provide a new level of intelligence to prevent these crimes from continuing unchecked.
“While Operation Delta Sanity made substantial progress last year, it is critical that we elevate our efforts,” Ogalla emphasized. “This new initiative will further advance the operation’s objectives and enhance the security of our maritime environment, boosting our nation’s oil production and curbing further illegal exploitation.”
The strategic shift from surveillance and intelligence gathering to active intervention marks a significant turning point in Nigeria’s battle against oil thieves. Armed drones will add a layer of precision that has been previously unavailable, potentially allowing the Navy to swiftly dismantle illegal bunkering activities in remote areas.
Industry observers have hailed the deployment as a critical innovation in the fight to secure Nigeria’s oil resources. The full-scale operation has the potential to overhaul the dynamics of oil theft in the country, which has long been enabled by the region’s rugged terrain and the hidden nature of illegal refineries.
“This approach is undoubtedly a game-changer,” said Abubakar Bello, an oil security expert at the Nigerian Petroleum Institute. “Using drones equipped with surveillance and neutralization capabilities will put the Navy a step ahead of the criminal elements in the region.”
The incorporation of drones into Nigerian military operations is part of a broader global trend where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly being utilized in combat and law enforcement efforts, marking a technological leap in operations against modern-day crimes. While the announcement has drawn considerable attention, it is clear that the real measure of success will be the results on the ground.
Operation Delta Sanity 2 could mark the dawn of a new era for the Nigerian Navy, one where armed drones complement traditional efforts in taking down powerful criminal networks involved in oil theft. For citizens of the Niger Delta, the coming months will likely reveal whether these high-tech measures can help reclaim the region’s maritime integrity—and secure a more prosperous future for the country.
