SIX ILLICIT REFINING STATIONS ARE DESTROYED BY NAF, WITH MORE IN RIVERS STATE.

The Nigerian Airforce announced on Tuesday that its Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has destroyed six illegal refining sites and five Cotonou Boats in Rivers State in the last three days as a result of increased air operations.

According to a statement issued by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of NAF Public Relations and Information, the operation was carried out in support of operations to combat oil theft and halt the activities of economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta Region.

“On November 12th, 2023, intelligence received revealed the sighting of three active Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) and two Cotonou Boats siphoning crude oil from pipelines at Cawthorne Channel and Alakri in Rivers State,” he stated.

“The IRS and boats were later engaged and destroyed.”

“Similar strikes were also carried out on the same day in Krakama, Rivers State, on three Cotonou Boats spotted transporting suspected illegal refined products.”

“On November 13, 2023, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft also struck some sites at Dariama Village in Rivers State in response to an intelligence report of illegal refining activities nearby.”

“Upon arrival, three IRS with tanks, pipes, and pumping machines, as well as Cotonou Boats loaded with suspected illegally refined products, were spotted, engaged, and destroyed.”

“The increased air operations should be viewed as proactive measures to protect the nation’s economic interests and deter criminal elements involved in oil theft.”

“The NAF, alongside sister Services and other security agencies, remains committed in its efforts at securing vital government resources and infrastructures in the Niger Delta Region and beyond.”