Crime

NAF Dismantles 12 Illegal Refineries in Abia and Rivers States

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 29th, 2024.

NAF Dismantles 12 Illegal Refineries in Abia and Rivers States

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reported on Sunday that its Operation Delta Safe has successfully destroyed 12 illegal refining sites and two reservoirs in Abia and Rivers states through targeted airstrikes.

AVM Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, disclosed this in a statement issued from Abuja. He noted that the NAF has ramped up efforts to curb the activities of oil thieves and other economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta region.

Gabkwet explained that aerial reconnaissance missions identified multiple illegal refining sites, many of which were concealed within fenced residential areas in Umueze, Abia State. This information was then passed on to ground forces for further action.

The operation revealed that these illegal refining activities were largely hidden beneath dense vegetation near Owaza. The NAF crew continued their operation along the river route, discovering and dismantling nine additional illegal refining sites and two reservoirs in Komkom and Okoloma, Rivers State.

In total, the airstrikes resulted in the destruction of 12 illegal refining sites and two reservoirs. Gabkwet highlighted the sophisticated nature of these illegal operations, noting that their presence within fenced residential areas signifies a level of sophistication that may require more than airstrikes to address effectively.

He cautioned that these illegal activities pose significant risks to human health and the environment. The NAF will continue its reconnaissance missions and efforts to dismantle illegal refining operations until crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage are significantly reduced.