The Nigerian Navy has expressed confidence in the Federal Government’s projection to raise crude oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day (mbpd) by 2027, pledging sustained maritime security operations to curb oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage.

The assurance was given by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command, Rear Adm. Suleiman Ibrahim, at the commencement of a renewed naval security operation aimed at protecting oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta and adjoining maritime domain.

Ibrahim said the Navy’s enhanced operational posture was aligned with the Federal Government’s renewed drive to boost crude oil output, attract investment and stabilise production levels across onshore and offshore fields.

According to him, the restructured operation, now christened Operation Delta Sentinel, is designed to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response against criminal networks involved in crude oil theft and illegal bunkering.

He noted that the initiative would leverage improved inter-agency collaboration with other security services, regulatory bodies, state governments and host communities to ensure comprehensive protection of critical national assets.

“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to providing a secure maritime environment that will enable the nation to achieve its oil production targets, including the Federal Government’s projection of 2.5mbpd by 2027,” Ibrahim said.

He disclosed that sustained naval operations in recent years had contributed significantly to the reduction of crude oil losses, adding that reported daily losses had dropped drastically compared to previous years.

The naval chief said the operation would also deploy modern maritime domain awareness tools, including aerial surveillance assets and patrol platforms, to enhance coverage of Nigeria’s vast coastal and offshore areas.

Ibrahim emphasised that community engagement would remain central to the success of the operation, stressing that cooperation from residents of oil-producing areas was critical to eliminating sabotage and criminality.

He reiterated the Navy’s resolve to protect legitimate economic activities, ensure safety of navigation and support national efforts to stabilise and grow the economy through improved oil production.

The FOC assured stakeholders that the Navy would continue to adapt its strategies to emerging threats, while maintaining professionalism and respect for human rights in the conduct of its operations.