The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe launched a series of air strikes targeting illegal oil refining sites and barges laden with stolen crude oil products in the Niger Delta Region.
The operation, conducted between March 25 and 26, 2024, resulted in the destruction of several illicit facilities across multiple locations in Rivers State.
According to a statement by Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, the raids targeted sites at Bille, Dariama, Elem Bekinkiri, Temakiri, Opumakiri, and Degema.
“At Bille, a barge carrying illegal refined products was intercepted and destroyed as it navigated through the creeks.
“Active illegal refining sites were identified and destroyed at Dariama and Temakiri, where reservoirs and cooking pots used in the refining process were found”, he noted.
Gabkwet noted that at Elem Bekinkiri and Opumakiri, abandoned refining sites were discovered and neutralized by the operation.
He stated that in Degema, multiple active illegal refining sites were located, with reservoirs filled with illicitly refined products. These sites were promptly engaged and set ablaze by the Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with other security agencies.
The statement emphasized that some of the targeted sites, particularly at Bille and Dariama, had been previously destroyed but were reactivated by perpetrators.
“As a result, the NAF and other security forces remain committed to intensifying efforts to detect and disrupt the activities of oil thieves operating in the region and beyond”, the statement noted.
The government is determined to combat oil theft and illegal refining activities, which have posed significant environmental and economic challenges in the Niger Delta Region.
Through sustained operations like these, NAF seeks to curtail illicit activities and promote stability and development in the area.
