The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has destroyed 10 overhead tanks and several gallons of refined products in 13 illegal refining sites in Niger-Delta.
NAF’s Director, Public Relations and Information, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday in Abuja, in a statement said the air component had increased its rate of patrol, especially within the Niger Delta region, with the aim of locating illegal oil refining sites and destroying them.
He said the airstrikes were part of efforts to curtail activities of oil thieves and economic saboteurs engaged in illegal and nefarious acts of bursting oil pipelines and siphoning crude oil. The statement read in part: “In arguably one of its most successful operations conducted along the Imo River, near Obuzor and Okoloma, about 13 active illegal refining sites were discovered.
Gabkwet said that the crew continued its patrol over the Trans Niger Pipeline, from Rumuekpe-Nkpoku to Bonny.
“These sites were subsequently destroyed after the crew employed the weapons on board the aircraft.
“Several overhead tanks connected to reservoirs, as well as numerous gallons were also destroyed in the process.
“In all, 13 illegal sites, 10 overhead tanks and several gallons of illegally refined products were effectively destroyed”.
According to him, the crew also spotted a truck along the riverbank, with four canoes, loading illegal products into the truck, after a thorough scan of the area and observing the criminals dispersed in disarray upon sighting the aircraft, the truck as well as the canoes were attacked and destroyed.
- Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri Quits From PDP - October 16, 2025
- Students Give ASUU, Federal Government 7 Days To Resolve Ongoing Disputes - October 16, 2025
- Yobe Retirees To Receive N5.8bn In Outstanding Gratuity - October 16, 2025