The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, commended the Nigerian Navy for its significant strides in combating oil theft, particularly under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. Agbese’s remarks came shortly after a plenary session, where he discussed his ongoing efforts to address the issue of crude oil theft and its economic impact.
Agbese had previously raised a motion last year to investigate crude oil theft, prompting the Speaker of the House, RT. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, to establish a probe panel.
In his comments, Agbese highlighted the successes of the Navy’s Operation Delta Sanity, launched in January 2024. He noted that this operation has led to the recovery of over 62,000 barrels of crude oil and nearly one million litres of illegally refined products. These actions have disrupted the activities of oil thieves, contributing positively to Nigeria’s oil production.
He further emphasized that Ogalla’s leadership has had a profound impact on the country’s economy, with increased revenue from recovered oil bolstering Nigeria’s fiscal balance and facilitating investments in critical sectors.
Agbese outlined the Navy’s comprehensive strategy to tackle oil theft, which includes:
- Aggressive surveillance and patrols
- Dismantling illegal refining sites
- Arresting suspects involved in oil theft
He also noted the Navy’s collaboration with international partners, enhancing its capacity to combat maritime crime.
Additionally, Agbese praised the Navy’s non-kinetic offensives, such as community engagement and educational outreach programs, which have helped build support within local communities to deter oil theft.
“The impact of Ogalla’s leadership is evident in the numbers,” Agbese remarked, citing an increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production from 1.08 million barrels per day in July 2023 to an average of 1.38 million barrels per day in January and February 2024.
He concluded by highlighting the economic significance of military operations, which have stalled oil theft valued at approximately N1.56 billion in the South-South region. Agbese stated that the Navy’s renewed commitment sends a clear message to oil thieves and saboteurs: Nigeria will no longer tolerate the theft of its resources.