Oil theft: See the Numbers of Illegal Refining sites that were demonish and boats that were seized
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reported significant operations under Operation Delta Safe, resulting in the destruction of 13 unauthorized oil refining sites and the confiscation of seven Cotonou boats across Rivers, Bayelsa, and Imo states.
AVM Edward Gabkwet, the NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, disclosed these actions in Abuja on Sunday. He detailed that between June 18 and June 22, air operations successfully disrupted illegal activities, including intercepting five J-5 buses attempting to siphon suspected crude oil from surface tanks.
Gabkwet highlighted specific incidents, such as the demolition of illicit facilities near the Imo River on June 18, where seven overhead tanks were dismantled, prompting suspected bunkerers to flee. Further operations on June 19 in Wilcourt, Rivers State, targeted unlawful refining sites and seized a canoe carrying illicit products, alongside several gunboats.
Additional airstrikes on June 22 targeted illicit refining plants located approximately 6 kilometers from Tunu in Bayelsa State. Gabkwet emphasized a notable encounter where aircrew intercepted five modified J-5 buses near the Imo River, immediately halting their attempts to illegally extract refined materials.
“The crew encountered unexpected tactics from these economic saboteurs and swiftly destroyed the facilities supplying the buses,” Gabkwet stated. “Some buses attempted to evade detection by dispersing and seeking cover under nearby trees.”
He credited the success of these operations to improved intelligence gathering, enhanced air-to-ground coordination, and the NAF’s heightened agility and resilience. Gabkwet assured that these efforts will persist until illegal activities by economic saboteurs are significantly curtailed.
