NAF destroys illegal refining sites, boats in crackdown on oil thieves
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched a series of airstrikes against illegal refining sites and boats in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Imo states, destroying 13 sites and 7 boats.
According to NAF spokesperson, AVM Edward Gabkwet, the air interdictions were carried out between June 18 and June 22 as part of Operation Delta Safe.
Gabkwet said the airstrikes also dispersed 5 J-5 buses attempting to siphon crude oil products from surface tanks.
The NAF spokesperson described the operation as a significant success, saying: “Air strikes against economic saboteurs and oil thieves have continued to record the expected outcomes.
“This is majorly due to improved intelligence, enhanced air-to-ground coordination, and most importantly, due to NAF’s improved agility and resilience.”
He added that the operations will be sustained until the activities of the oil thieves are reduced to the barest minimum.
The crackdown on oil thieves is part of the Nigerian government’s efforts to combat illegal oil refining and smuggling in the Niger Delta region.