The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Sunday said that its aircraft under Operation Delta Safe have destroyed illegal refining sites in Abia and Rivers States.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), AVM Edward Gabkwet, said in a statement that the airstrikes were aimed at taking out “oil thieves and other economic saboteurs.”
According to the statement: “In efforts aimed at minimizing the activities of oil thieves and other economic saboteurs, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft under Operation Delta Safe, on 26 July 2024, carried out several strikes that led to the destruction of 12 illegal refining sites and 2 reservoirs located in Abia and Rivers States.
“In Umueze in Abia State, armed reconnaissance undertaken by the aircraft revealed several illegal refining sites situated in many fenced households.This information was subsequently relayed to ground troops for further exploitation and necessary action.
“Heading towards Owaza, 3 illegal refining sites were observed hidden under thick vegetations, which were subsequently destroyed. Thereafter, the crew followed the river line down to Komkom and Okoloma in Rivers State, where 9 illegal refining sites and 2 reservoirs were discovered and destroyed. In total, 12 illegal refining sites and 2 reservoirs were destroyed.
“The sighting of illegal refining sites in fenced living environments is indicative of the sophistry of the illegal oil refining trade that would require other means beyond air strikes to checkmate. Those engaged in these acts, especially in fenced living environments, are again reminded of their danger to human lives and health as well as the environment.
“Be that as may, armed reconnaissance missions as well as destruction of illegal refining sites will continue unabated until crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage are reduced to the barest minimum.”