The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a major operation targeting illegal oil refining activities in the Niger Delta.
According to a statement by AVM Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, airstrikes conducted by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe successfully destroyed 13 illegal refining sites.
This operation is part of ongoing efforts to curtail the activities of oil thieves and economic saboteurs who have been engaging in the illicit siphoning of crude oil.
The airstrikes not only obliterated the refining sites but also resulted in the destruction of "10 overhead tanks and several gallons of illegally refined products."
The operation was meticulously planned and executed, with surveillance revealing numerous illegal refining sites across Ke, Egbema, Akaso Krakama, Krikama, and Military Council Valley. These sites were effectively neutralized, massively disrupting the operations of oil thieves in the region.
In addition to the refining sites, a Cotonou boat loaded with crude oil was observed at Akaso Krakama, preparing to depart southwards. The boat was subsequently attacked and destroyed.
At Krikama, several cooking sites were also identified and demolished. In total, "18 illegal refining sites and 3 Cotonou boats" were destroyed during the operation.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, commended the Air Component for their commitment to diminishing the activities of oil thieves in the Niger Delta Region.
He emphasized that these air operations, in collaboration with other security agencies, will continue across the nation through extensive situational awareness, constant patrols, and targeted interdiction of criminals’ safe havens.
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