Operation Delta Safe‘s air component has successfully destroyed seven illegal refining sites in various locations in Rivers State.
Military aircraft also targeted and destroyed four boats carrying illegally refined products in the southern direction.
The Nigerian Air Force’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, announced in a statement on Sunday that the operations took place on April 12 and 13, 2024, in Idama, Ogbomkiri, Arugbana, Ivy Island, and Samkiri communities in River State.
Gabkwet 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 to 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.
“In the 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. ”
Gabkwet mentioned that oil thieves were trying to set up an illegal refining site in Arugbana. He also said that when they saw an aircraft approaching, they ran away to avoid getting caught.
He said, “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 7 illegal refining sites and 4 boats were discovered and destroyed within the two-day operation. ”
