In efforts aimed at minimizing the activities of oil thieves and other economic saboteurs, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft under Operation Delta Safe, on 26 July 2024, carried out several strikes that led to the destruction of 12 illegal refining sites and 2 reservoirs located in Abia and Rivers States.
This was contained in a statement signed by
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet , Director of Public Relations and Information , Nigerian Air Force on Sunday 28 July 2024.
According to a statement, in Umueze in Abia State, armed reconnaissance undertaken by the aircraft revealed several illegal refining sites situated in many fenced households adding that “This information was subsequently relayed to ground troops for further exploitation and necessary action.”
“Heading towards Owaza, 3 illegal refining sites were observed hidden under thick vegetations, which were subsequently destroyed. ”
Thereafter, the crew followed the river line down to Komkom and Okoloma in Rivers State, where 9 illegal refining sites and 2 reservoirs were discovered and destroyed. In total, 12 illegal refining sites and 2 reservoirs were destroyed.
It stated that the sighting of illegal refining sites in fenced living environments is indicative of the sophistry of the illegal oil refining trade that would require other means beyond air strikes to checkmate.
The statement added that those engaged in these acts, especially in fenced living environments, are again reminded of their danger to human lives and health as well as the environment.
“Be that as may, armed reconnaissance missions as well as destruction of illegal refining sites will continue unabated until crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage are reduced to the barest minimum”,it added.
