The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka in Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom State has solicited the cooperation of the host community to ensure the success of ‘Operation Delta Sanity 11.

The Operation has the mandate of clearing oil thieves and other maritime criminals from the coastal waters in the Niger Delta.

In a bid to enlist the local support for the operation, the FOB at the weekend launched a host community intervention programme, with a donation of educational materials to Saint Paul’s African Primary School in Mbo LGA.

The Commanding Officer, FOB, Ibaka, Capt. Uche Aneke, who made the donation on Saturday, explained that the gesture was part of the efforts to kick-start ‘Operation Delta Sanity 11’ and foster civil/military relationship with host communities.

He explained to the students that ‘Operation Delta Sanity 11’, was in line with the renewed effort of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, toward ending the menace of crude oil theft.

Capt. Aneke further enlightened the students on the economic and environmental effects of illegal oil bunkering and smuggling of petroleum products, as well as the security consequences on the Nigerian maritime environment.

He said that the Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) exercise, which involved educational outreach and community services among others, became necessary “in order to drive the message in a non-kinetic line of operation.”

He emphasised that under the current leadership of the CNS Ogalla, such community services would be consistent and sustainable gesture for the host communities.

Delivering a sensitisation lecture to the female students of the school on the theme, “The impact of Girl-Child Education on the Community Development Focusing on the Ibaka Community,” Aneke, urged the female students to take their studies seriously and observe good hygiene.

He said, “Parents of girls of school-age who are out of school within the community are also encouraged to enroll them in school for a brighter future, assuring that the ‘Operation Delta Sanity 11’, and constant surveillance of areas under the FOB Ibaka area of operations and Eastern Naval Command area of responsibility would be sustained.

In her remarks, the Head Teacher of St. Paul’s African Primary School at Ibaka, Mrs Justina Uko, thanked the Nigerian Navy for the gesture, noting that the initiative would enhance education in the community.

“We thank and appreciate the Nigerian Navy for what they have done to the pupils of the school. We pray that God should bless them more and more,” she prayed.