Celebration

By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

The Nigerian Navy’s “Operation Delta Sanity” in the Niger Delta says it has significantly reduced crude oil theft, contributing to improvements in the country’s economy.

Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, made this statement at the graduation ceremony of the Naval Warfare Course 9 in Calabar on Friday.
He emphasized that the Navy will not rest on its achievements and urged officers to remain diligent in combating insecurity within the nation’s maritime domain.

He highlighted that 52 personnel trained in August 2024 have been deployed to oil platforms to prevent crude oil theft, which has helped boost crude oil production in recent months.

“Our Operation Delta Sanity has resulted in numerous arrests and created an environment where criminals find it difficult to operate,” he said, adding that the operation has curtailed criminals’ freedom of movement in maritime areas.

Ogalla acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, other sister agencies, and stakeholders in these efforts.

He noted that the successes have boosted national revenue, restored investor confidence, enhanced transparency in the oil sector, and improved national security and development.

He urged the new graduates to apply their training effectively to strengthen national security operations.

The Navy has invested heavily in capability building and professional development. Graduates were reminded that they will face challenges testing their skills and knowledge acquired at the college.

Rear Admiral Akinola Olodude, Commandant of the college, credited strategic partnerships for the successful training, including the European Union office in Abuja, University of Calabar, Nigerian Army and Air Force war colleges, Nigeria Defence Academy, and the Republic of Cameroon.

He said the institutions contributed to the curriculum and provided expert resource persons.

Olodude also thanked the governments of Delta, Andoni River states, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire for their support during study tours and operational visits.

Course Coordinator Captain Suleiman Abdullahi explained that Naval Warfare Course 9 began in January with 30 participants from the Nigerian Navy, Sister Services, National Defence College, and international attendees from Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cameroon.

The eight-month rigorous training covered leadership, maritime security, military and theatre strategy, including field exercises.

The college partnered with the British Navy and military advisory teams, the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies at the National Defence College, and the European Union Office in Nigeria for the programme.

Highlights included inter-agency seminars, environmental talks in Delta State, operational visits to Rivers State, and international study talks in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire.

Participants also took part in Exercise Skylock 2025 in Abuja, in collaboration with the National Defence College.

Throughout the course, participants underwent written exams, oral tests, and practical exercises.

Their conduct, confidence, leadership, and military bearing were assessed and reflected in their individual evaluations.

All 30 participants successfully completed the programme and defended their research projects.

Cross River Governor Bassey Otu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Odey, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting the Navy.

He credited the Navy for maintaining peace in the state’s waterways, curbing kidnappers’ escape routes, and restoring public confidence.

“We are committed to working closely with the Navy and security agencies to promote safety, investment, and development in our coastal communities,” Otu said.
He expressed Cross River’s continued partnership in national security efforts and congratulated the graduates on their achievement.

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka