The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced the destruction of 13 illegal refining sites during a weekend airstrike operation under Operation Delta Safe.
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 11, 2024, by AVM Edward Gabkwet, the Air Force Director for Public Relations and Information, it was revealed that the operation also led to the destruction of 10 overhead tanks and numerous gallons of illegally refined products.
The airstrikes were part of a broader effort to curb the activities of oil thieves and economic saboteurs who engage in illegal acts such as bursting oil pipelines and siphoning crude oil. According to Gabkwet, the air component has intensified its patrols, particularly within the Niger Delta region, with a focus on locating and destroying illegal oil refining sites.
“In one of our most successful operations conducted along the Imo River, near Obuzor and Okoloma, we discovered and subsequently destroyed 13 active illegal refining sites,” Gabkwet stated. “These sites, along with several overhead tanks connected to reservoirs and numerous gallons of illegally refined products, were effectively destroyed.”
During the operation, the crew also spotted a truck along the riverbank, along with four canoes, loading illegal products. After a thorough scan of the area and observing the criminals fleeing upon sighting the aircraft, the truck and canoes were targeted and destroyed.
The patrol team continued its surveillance over the Trans Niger Pipeline, covering areas from Rumuekpe-Nkpoku to Bonny, but reported no unusual activity.
Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, commended the Air Component for their dedication to combating the activities of oil thieves in the Niger Delta Region.
