THE air component of Operation Delta Safe of the Nigerian Air Force has destroyed seven illegal refining stations in different locations in Rivers State.
In addition, military planes sent out for the operations attacked four vessels carrying illicitly processed goods sailing southwards.
In a statement released on Sunday, April 14, 2024, the Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, stated that the operations took place in the River State communities of Idama, Ogbomkiri, Arugbana, Ivy Island, and Samkiri on April 12 and 13.
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“Air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe have continued to record tremendous successes against the activities of economic saboteurs operating in the Niger Delta Region.
Specifically, air strikes carried out from April 12 to 13, 2024 at some locations in Rivers State have significantly diminished the capabilities of oil thieves to continue in their nefarious efforts at bursting and siphoning crude oil.” Gabkwet stated.
He added that a functioning illicit refining plant was seen and investigated in the Idama community while four boats carrying illicitly processed goods were seen sailing southward during armed reconnaissance over Yellow Island and Cawthorne Channel, after which the boats were destroyed.
He said comparable reconnaissance flights were carried out over Ogbomkiri, Arugbana, Ivy Island, and Samkiri. While over Ogbomkiri, an active illegal refining site was located, and appropriate action was taken.
Oil thieves were observed attempting to establish an unauthorized refinery plant near Arugbana. Upon noticing an approaching aircraft, they hastily fled for safety.
The Force added that other unlawful locations were also noticed, investigated, and demolished.
“Approximately seven illicit refining locations and four boats were found and demolished during the two-day operation.”
Fatimah Quadri is a Journalist and a Fact-checker at The ICIR. She has written news articles, fact-checks, explainers, and media literacy in an effort to combat information disorder.
She can be reached at sunmibola_q on X or [email protected]