NAF airstrikes destroy 23 illegal refining sites, 10 overhead tanks in Niger Delta

The Nigerian Airforce (NAF) Sunday said the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe in one of its most successful operations conducted along the Imo River near Obuzor and Okoloma, destroyed 13 illegal refining sites.

NAF spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, said several overhead tanks connected to reservoirs as well as numerous gallons were also destroyed in the process.

“In all 13 illegal sites, 10 overhead tanks and several gallons of illegally refined products were effectively destroyed,” he said.

He said same day, while the crew extended their patrol down stream, they spotted a 6-tyre tipper truck along the riverbank with 4 canoes seen loading illegal products into the truck.
“After a thorough scan of the area and observing the criminals dispersed in disarray upon siting the aircraft, the truck as well as the canoes, were attacked and destroyed.

“The crew then continued their patrol over the Trans Niger Pipeline from Rumuekpe-Nkpoku to Bonny, which included the following points: End Point, Bodo trunk line, Point, Small line attachment, Nkpoku-New Ebubu Trunkline and Rumuekpe-Nkpoku line with no unusual activity observed,” he said.

He noted that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has commended the Air Component for their commitment and resolve to diminish the activities of oil thieves in the Niger Delta Region.