By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH says it has recorded significant operational successes in the fight against crude oil theft, piracy and kidnapping across Bayelsa waterways under Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS).
The Base Operations Officer, Lt.-Cmdr. E.C. Igwe disclosed this on Wednesday during a media visit to the naval base, led by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja.
Igwe said NNS SOROH, operating under the Central Naval Command and Sector 2 of Operation DELTA SAFE, covers about 107 nautical miles from the Ramos River to the San Bartholomew River, securing critical maritime infrastructure vital to Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, the base exercises operational control over Forward Operating Base Koluama and Naval Outpost Kulama, which serve as force multipliers for riverine and coastal operations.
“Between January to date, NNS SOROH has deactivated over 12 boats, dismantled more than 15 illegal refining sites, and handled about 800,000 litres of suspected crude oil, over two million litres of adulterated crude, and 30,000 litres of products suspected to be AGO, all in line with extant regulations,” he said.
Igwe noted that sustained naval pressure had forced oil theft syndicates to change tactics by moving smaller quantities with smaller boats, but added that the Navy had remained resolute.
On anti-piracy and anti-militancy operations, he said naval personnel conducted several raids across key flashpoints, including a June 27, 2025 operation in Peremabiri community that led to the arrest of a suspected militant and the recovery of an HK machine gun and ammunition.
The officer also highlighted successes in anti-kidnapping operations, citing the March 7, 2025 abduction of a Niger Delta Development Commission official in Ayakoro community, where swift naval response forced the kidnappers to release the victim unharmed.
“In May 2025, intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of one suspect connected to the incident, who was handed over for further investigation,” he added.
Beyond kinetic operations, Igwe said NNS SOROH had sustained non-kinetic engagements, including medical and educational outreach programmes and proactive flood mitigation efforts, as well as peace-brokering interventions between feuding communities.
He emphasised that media engagement had enhanced public confidence, improved intelligence flow and discouraged collaboration between host communities and criminal elements, though he cautioned against unregulated social media reporting that could compromise operations.
Igwe reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to sustaining maritime security in Bayelsa, while calling for strengthened media collaboration and community partnership to enhance early warning and intelligence gathering.
The media tour forms part of Defence Headquarters’ efforts to promote transparency and public awareness of military operations across the Niger Delta. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
