Central Naval Command Of Operation DELTA SAFE Highlights Operational Successes, Challenges

By Anthonia Okwuolise, Abuja

The Base Operations Officer Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, Lt. Commander E. C. Igwe has highlighted major operational feats, under his leadership.

Century News Update reports that the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH operates under the Central Naval Command and also forms part of Sector 2 of Operation DELTA SAFE.

Commander Igwe, disclosed the core responsibilities of the Central Naval Command, in a recent presentation, when the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja and his team paid him a visit.

“Our mandate is to protect Nigeria’s maritime domain against threats to lives, property, and critical maritime infrastructure, which are vital to national security and economic stability,” he said.

According to him, “the Base is located in Bayelsa State and serves as a strategic hub for riverine and coastal defence operations, covering approximately 107 nautical miles, stretching from the Ramos River to the San Bartholomew River.

“Furthermore, Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH exercises operational control over two subordinate units, namely: Forward Operating Base (FOB) Koluama, and
Naval Outpost Kulama.

These units he explained act as force multipliers and serve as launch bases for sustained maritime operations

Overview of Operational Activities

The Base plays a pivotal role in maintaining maritime security within its assigned waterways through regular patrols, surveillance, and intelligence-driven operations.

These activities are aimed at suppressing:
Crude oil theft
Sea robbery
Pipeline vandalism
Illegal refining
Other maritime-related criminal activities

To ensure effective control of the backwaters and rapid response to threats, personnel and gunboats are deployed across key riverine and coastal communities, including:
Forcados
Tebidaba
Soku
Aiteo 1–7
Ayakoro
Peremabiri
Agbura
Brass

Through FOB Koluama and Naval Outpost Kulama

The Base extends its operational reach across Bayelsa waterways. Additionally, the Base projects presence through Naval Patrol and Security Stations at Kansan and Ezetu, strategically positioned at the entrances of the Yon River and Pennington River, respectively.

In addition to independent operations, Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH collaborates closely with other components of Operation DELTA SAFE, fostering a unified security framework that enhances overall operational effectiveness.

Efforts and Notable Achievements Anti–Crude Oil Theft Operations

Sustained operations against crude oil theft have compelled perpetrators to adopt new tactics, including transporting products in smaller quantities using smaller boats.

Despite this, the Base has maintained operational pressure.

Between January to date, Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH has:
Arrested and deactivated over 12 boats, including motorcycles used for transportation
Intercepted approximately 5,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products.

Deactivated over 15 illegal refining sites
Handled

About 800,000 litres of suspected crude oil
Over 2,000,000 litres of adulterated crude oil
About 30,000 litres of products suspected to be AGO.

All products were handled strictly in line with extant regulations.

Anti-Piracy and Anti-Militancy Operations

The Base has conducted multiple anti-piracy and anti-militancy operations, significantly reducing illegal activities in key locations.

Notably, on 27 June 2025, personnel conducted an anti-militancy raid in Peremabiri Community, leading to: Arrest of one suspected militant; recovery of one HK machine gun and a substantial quantity of ammunition.

The suspect was subsequently handed over to the appropriate security agency for investigation and prosecution.

Anti-Kidnapping and Anti–Sea Robbery Operations

The Base has recorded sustained success in combating kidnapping for ransom and sea robbery.

On 7 March 2025, one Mr. Emi Akari, a Special Assistant to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, was kidnapped at Ayakoro Community.

Swift response by Base personnel led to intense forest combing, which pressured the kidnappers to release the victim unharmed.

Subsequently, intelligence-led operations in collaboration with other security agencies resulted in the arrest of one suspect on 16 May 2025, who was handed over for further investigation and prosecution.

Non-Kinetic Operations

Beyond kinetic engagements, the Base remains committed to non-kinetic operations.
Medical and Educational Outreach.

Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH has conducted several medical and educational outreach programmes across communities in Bayelsa State.

Notable engagements include: A medical outreach at Ayakoro Community, Obian LGA, on 26 May 2021
Another major medical and equipment outreach was conducted in December 2025.

These programmes recorded strong participation from community leaders, youth representatives, and state officials.

Medical personnel attended to cases of hypertension, diabetes, and other ailments through free consultations, counselling, and referrals.

Disaster Response

As a designated disaster response unit, the Base proactively mitigated flood risks by clearing blocked waterways near the Base, restoring water flow and reducing the likelihood of flooding within the immediate environment.

Conflict Mitigation and Community Engagement

On 24 September 2025, the Base, in collaboration with state security stakeholders, successfully brokered peace between Egwema and Beretema Communities following the killing of a resident.

Timely intelligence indicating a possible reprisal attack prompted swift intervention, preventing further violence.

These non-kinetic engagements continue to support ongoing kinetic operations under Operation DELTA SAFE.

Impact of Media Operations

Media engagement remains a critical enabler of Base operations.

Accurate and timely reporting has:
Strengthened public confidence;
Enhanced deterrence;
Discouraged community collaboration with criminal elements.

Sustained media engagement has also improved intelligence flow, as communities are now more willing to provide timely and credible information.

However, unregulated social media reporting has occasionally compromised sensitive operations. Therefore, coordinated and controlled media engagement is essential to achieving the mandate of Operation DELTA SAFE.

Challenges and Way Forward

The Base continues to face generic operational challenges, including logistics and platform constraints.

Nevertheless, steps are ongoing to address these limitations.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH remains central to the mandate of Operation DELTA SAFE, safeguarding national economic and security interests within Bayelsa State’s maritime environment.

Despite notable successes in anti-crude oil theft, anti-piracy, anti-kidnapping, and community engagement operations, certain challenges persist and must be addressed to sustain operational effectiveness.

It is therefore recommended that:
The Defence Media Operations Directorate intensifies media coverage of Operation DELTA SAFE activities.

Media engagement should be strengthened during recruitment exercises to improve national awareness and attract qualified candidates.

Collaboration with local communities and traditional institutions be enhanced to improve intelligence gathering and early warning capabilities.