The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe launched airstrikes, annihilating multiple illegal refining installations and boats in Rivers State.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), disclosed that the air assaults form part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal oil processing plants and vessels engaged in pilfering crude oil products in the Niger Delta region.
Gabkwet detailed, “The sites and barges destroyed were discovered between March 25 and 26, 2024, at various locations including Bille, Dariama, Elem Bekinkiri, Temakiri, Opumakiri, and Degema in Rivers State.”
He elaborated further, “At Bille, a barge loaded with illegal refined products was intercepted and neutralized as it navigated the creeks. In Elem Bekinkiri and Opumakiri, abandoned illegal refining sites were identified.”
Gabkwet continued, “At Degema, several active illegal refining sites, complete with reservoirs containing illicitly refined products, were identified and promptly engaged, resulting in their destruction by fire.”
Highlighting the persistence of illegal activities, Gabkwet emphasized, “It is noteworthy that some of the illegal refining sites at Bille and Dariama had been previously destroyed but were later reactivated.”
In response to the resurgence of illegal operations, Gabkwet affirmed, “The NAF, alongside other security agencies, remains committed to intensifying efforts in detecting and disrupting the activities of oil thieves within the region and beyond.”