News

NAF Airstrikes Dismantle 13 Illegal Refining Sites in Niger Delta

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 12th, 2024.

NAF Airstrikes Dismantle 13 Illegal Refining Sites in Niger Delta

On Sunday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reported that its Air Component of Operation Delta Safe had successfully targeted and destroyed 13 illegal refining sites, along with 10 overhead tanks and numerous gallons of illegally processed products near Obuzor and Okoloma in the Niger Delta.

Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, shared this update in a statement to Defence Correspondents in Abuja. The announcement underscored the ongoing efforts to combat oil theft and sabotage, particularly targeting those who damage pipelines and siphon crude oil or its derivatives. Despite these efforts, the proliferation of illegal refining activities has necessitated more aggressive measures.

The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has ramped up its patrols within the Niger Delta to locate and dismantle these illegal operations. The operation, one of the most effective conducted along the Imo River near Obuzor and Okoloma, uncovered and destroyed multiple illegal refining sites exploiting the challenging terrain. The airstrikes also targeted and eliminated 10 overhead tanks and several gallons of illicitly refined products.

Additionally, during an extended patrol downstream, the NAF team observed a six-tyre tipper truck on the riverbank, where four canoes were seen transferring illegal products into the truck. The criminals fled upon spotting the aircraft, but the truck and canoes were subsequently attacked and destroyed.

The patrol also covered the Trans Niger Pipeline, including critical segments like the End Point, Bodo trunk line, Small line attachment, Nkpoku-New Ebubu Trunkline, and Rumuekpe-Nkpoku line. No irregular activities were detected during this surveillance.

Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, praised the Air Component for their dedication and effectiveness in reducing the prevalence of oil theft in the Niger D

elta region.