Navy launches ‘Operation Delta Sanity 11’ against oil thieves in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of ​​Akwa Ibom State has sought the cooperation of the host community to ensure the success of ‘Operation Delta Sanity 11’.

The operation is mandated to remove oil thieves and other maritime criminals from the coastal waters of the Niger Delta.

To garner local support for the operation, FOB launched a host community intervention program last weekend, with a donation of educational materials to Saint Paul’s African Primary School in Mbo LGA.

The Officer Commanding, FOB, Ibaka, Captain Uche Aneke, who made the donation on Saturday, explained that the gesture was part of efforts to kick-start ‘Operation Delta Sanity 11’ and promote civil/military relationship with host communities.

He explained to the students that “Operation Delta Sanity 11” was in line with the renewed efforts of Chief of Navy Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to put an end to the menace of crude oil theft.

Capt. Aneke further informed the students about the economic and environmental impacts of illegal oil bunkering and smuggling of petroleum products, as well as the security implications for the Nigerian maritime environment.

He said the Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) exercise, which included educational outreach and community services, became necessary “to convey the message in a non-kinetic operational line.”

He stressed that under the current leadership of CNS Ogalla, such community services would be a consistent and sustainable gesture to the host communities.

Aneke gave a sensitization lecture to the female students of the school on the theme: “The impact of girls’ education on community development, with emphasis on the Ibaka community”. She urged the female students to take their studies seriously and to practice good hygiene.

He said: “Parents of out-of-school girls within the community are also encouraged to enroll them in school for a better future, to ensure that ‘Operation Delta Sanity 11’ and the constant surveillance of areas under FOB Ibaka area of ​​operations and Eastern Naval Command area of ​​responsibility are sustained.

In her speech, the Principal of St. Paul’s African Primary School, Ibaka, Mrs. Justina Uko, thanked the Nigerian Navy for the gesture, noting that the initiative would improve education in the community.

“We thank and appreciate the Nigerian Navy for what they have done for the students of the school. We pray that God will continue to bless them,” she prayed.