The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe carried out an intense air operations in the last 3 days in the South South Zone of Nigeria destroying 6 Illegal crude oil refining sites and 5 Cotonou Boats in Rivers State.
The air strikes are parts of efforts to combat oil theft and checkmate the activities of economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta Region, a statement by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet , the Director of Public Relations and Information , Nigerian Air Force stated.
It said that “on 12 November 2023, intelligence received revealed the sighting of 3 active Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) and 2 Cotonou Boats siphoning crude oil from pipelines at Cawthorne Channel and Alakri in Rivers State. The IRS and boats were subsequently engaged and destroyed.
“Similar strikes were also carried out at Krakama in Rivers State, on the same day, on 3 Cotonou Boats sighted conveying suspected illegal refined products.
“On 13 November 2023, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft also struck some sites at Dariama Village in Rivers State following intelligence report of illegal refining activities near the location. On arrival, 3 IRS with tanks, pipes and pumping machines as well as Cotonou Boats loaded with suspected illegally refined products were sighted, engaged and subsequently destroyed.
He said the intensified air operations are proactive measures to safeguard the economic interests of the nation and deter criminal elements involved in oil theft.
The NAF, alongside sister Services and other security agencies, remains committed in its efforts at securing vital government resources and infrastructures in the Niger Delta Region and beyond, he added.