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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said its air component of Operation Delta Safe has destroyed 13 illegal refining sites and seven Cotonou boats as well as dispersed five J-5 buses attempting to siphon suspected crude oil products from surface tanks.
Some of the illegal sites were discovered near Imo River, on June 18, 2024 with seven overhead tanks, which were subsequently destroyed, while several suspected bunkers were seen fleeing.
NAF Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, who made the disclosure, said the air strikes were also extended to Wilcourt in Rivers State on June 19, 2024, after an illegal site and canoe filled with illegally refined products, as well as some gun boats, were seen.
Gabkwet, in a statement, said following the intelligence of some illegal refining sites located about 6km from Tunu, Bayelsa State, the aircrew proceeded to the location to identify and destroy the site, a task carried out with the utmost precision.
Another significant strike undertaken by the air component was carried out on June 22, 2024, when the crew spotted five J5 buses, probably reconfigured into mini tankers, at the bank of Imo River, attempting to siphon illegally refined products. Amazed at this change of tactics by the economic saboteurs, the crew did not hesitate to immediately destroy the illegal refining sites feeding the buses.The J5 buses were later seen dispersed with some taking cover under trees to avoid detection.
Air strikes against economic saboteurs and oil thieves have continued to record the expected outcomes majorly due to improved intelligence, enhanced air to ground coordination, and, most importantly, due to NAF’s improved agility and resilience. These operations will be sustained until the activities of these saboteurs are reduced to the barest minimum.
