NAF destroys 13 illegal refining sites, tanks, truck in Niger Delta airstrikes
In a determined effort to combat the rampant activities of oil thieves and economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully destroyed 13 illegal refining sites along with ten overhead tanks and a six-tyre tipper truck used for illicit oil activities.
These operations are part of ongoing efforts to curb the siphoning of crude oil and its products through illegal pipeline bursts and refining processes.
The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, revealed in a statement that the operations were carried out along the Imo River near Obuzor and Okoloma. During these operations, several active illegal refining sites were discovered, with the perpetrators taking advantage of the challenging terrain to carry out their illegal activities.
Utilizing the weapons on board the aircraft, NAF crews destroyed all 13 identified illegal sites. Along with these sites, the operation also led to the destruction of ten overhead tanks connected to reservoirs, as well as numerous gallons of refined products.
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Additionally, while extending their patrol downstream, NAF personnel spotted a six-tyre tipper truck along the riverbank, accompanied by four canoes actively loading illegal products into the truck. Upon sighting the aircraft, the criminals fled, but the truck and canoes were promptly destroyed by the airstrike.
The statement also mentioned that during the same patrol, the crew observed no unusual activity along the Trans Niger Pipeline from Rumuekpe-Nkpoku to Bonny, including critical points such as the End Point, Bodo trunk line, and Nkpoku-New Ebubu Trunkline.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, commended the Air Component for their unwavering commitment to reducing illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta region. These airstrikes are part of a broader strategy under Operation Delta Safe, aimed at locating and dismantling illegal oil refining operations in the region.
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