Navy targets 2.5m Bpd oil production with launch of Operation Delta Sentinel

Описание: In a renewed push to secure Nigeria’s critical oil assets and boost crude oil production, the Nigerian Navy has launched Operation Delta Sentinel, a major maritime security initiative aimed at strengthening surveillance and curbing crude oil theft across the Niger Delta.  The operation, which replaces Operation Delta Sanity II, was unveiled at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder Jetty in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.  It forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to increase oil exploration and production, with an ambitious target of 2.5 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2027.  Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Commander Task Group 26.1, Operation Delta Sentinel, Rear Admiral Sulieman Ibrahim, said the new operation would run for an initial period of one year, subject to a 90-day renewable review.  He described the initiative as a significant milestone in the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s strategic economic assets, stimulate economic growth, and ensure peace and stability in the Niger Delta.  Rear Admiral Ibrahim, who also serves as the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command, stressed that the Navy remains resolute in denying criminal elements freedom of action within Nigeria’s maritime environment.  “The transformation from Operation Delta Sanity II to Operation Delta Sentinel is necessitated, among other considerations, by the Federal Government’s drive to increase oil exploration and production. Hence, the need to infuse more vigour into preventing crude oil theft and increasing oil production in line with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) ‘Project 1 Million Barrels Per Day Initiative’,” he said.  According to him, oil production is projected to reach about 2.5 million bpd by 2027, while the ongoing divestment by International Oil Companies (IOCs) and their renewed focus on deep offshore operations would be closely supported by the Nigerian Navy.  Rear Admiral Ibrahim explained that Operation Delta Sentinel would be driven by enhanced inter-agency coordination, intelligence-led operations, and sustained collaboration with regulators, sister services, security agencies, state governments, oil industry stakeholders and host communities.  He added that the Navy would deploy advanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) infrastructure, new maritime platforms, as well as manned and unmanned aerial assets to improve surveillance, optimise asset utilisation and maintain a proactive operational posture.  “Our approach will be deliberate, innovative and technology-enabled. These capabilities will enable us to improve situational awareness and sustain a robust surveillance and response architecture,” he said.  The naval chief revealed that ongoing security interventions have already yielded measurable results, with crude oil losses dropping by about 90 per cent, from 102,900 barrels per day in 2021 to 9,600 barrels per day as of September 25.  “I wish to state unequivoca