By Nkechi Eze
Nigeria’s campaign to curb crude oil theft in the Niger Delta has received renewed momentum following the appointment of Commodore Chris Akokota as Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Soroh, with the senior naval officer unveiling a tougher enforcement strategy against maritime criminals and economic saboteurs.
Commodore Akokota, who formally assumed command on February 13, 2026, signalled a decisive shift in operations, warning oil thieves, pipeline vandals, and other criminal elements that the Navy would no longer tolerate illegal activities in the nation’s waterways. He declared that his leadership would be defined by firm and decisive action, including intensified patrols, intelligence-led operations, and stronger maritime surveillance.
As part of his immediate operational priorities, the new commander announced the integration of NNS Soroh into Operation DELTA SENTINEL, a key naval security initiative aimed at dismantling organised criminal networks involved in crude oil theft, illegal refining, sea robbery, and other maritime offences.
The development marks a significant transition in leadership at the naval base, as Commodore Akokota takes over from Commodore Omobamidele Akinbami. Naval sources described the change in command as a strategic move to reinforce security operations amid growing national concern over oil theft and its impact on Nigeria’s economy.
Akokota outlined a three-point agenda focused on strengthening professionalism among personnel, enhancing collaboration with other security agencies, and building stronger partnerships with host communities. He emphasised that effective maritime security requires close cooperation between the Navy, other security institutions, and local communities, whose support remains critical to combating criminal activities along coastal areas.
He also charged officers and ratings to remain vigilant, disciplined, and committed to their responsibilities, in line with the operational vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas.
Security analysts have long identified crude oil theft as a major threat to Nigeria’s economic stability, with billions of naira lost annually to illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism. The intensified operations by NNS Soroh are expected to strengthen naval presence and enforcement across strategic waterways in the Niger Delta.
The renewed crackdown forms part of broader federal efforts to safeguard critical oil infrastructure, stabilise production, and protect national revenue.
For the new commander, the objective is clear: protecting Nigeria’s maritime assets is not only a security duty but also essential to preserving the nation’s economic future.
