From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said its air component of Operation Delta Safe has destroyed seven illegal refining sites at Ogbomkiri, Arugbana, Ivy Island and four boats at Yellow Island and Cawthorne Channel in the Niger Delta region of the country.
NAF Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, who made the disclosure, said the illegal refineries and boats were discovered and destroyed during a two-day operation against crude oil theft.
Gabkwet, in a statement, said: “Air strikes by the air component of Operation Delta Safe have continued to record tremendous successes against the activities of economic saboteurs operating in the Niger Delta Region. Specifically, air strikes carried out from April 12 -13, 2024, at some locations in Rivers State have significantly diminished the capabilities of oil thieves to continue in their nefarious efforts at bursting and siphoning crude oil. At Idama community, for instance, an active illegal refining site was observed and engaged.
Also, armed reconnaissance undertaken over Yellow Island and Cawthorne Channel revealed four boats loaded with illegally refined products heading southwards. The boats were subsequently engaged and destroyed.
Similar reconnaissance missions were conducted over Ogbomkiri, Arugbana, Ivy Island and Samkiri. While over Ogbomkiri, an active illegal refining site was identified and engaged accordingly. At Arugbana, oil thieves were seen trying to set up an illegal refining site and, on sighting the approaching aircraft, scampered for safety. Several illegal sites were also observed at Samkiri and were engaged and destroyed.
In all, about seven illegal refining sites and four boats were discovered and destroyed within the two-day operation.