In a concerted effort to counteract oil theft and curb the activities of economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta Region, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has significantly heightened its air operations over the past three days.
According to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet the Director Public Relations and Information of NAF, The focus has been on decimating 6 Illegal Refining Sites and intercepting 5 Cotonou Boats in Rivers State.
He said On November 12, 2023, received intelligence pinpointed the presence of three active Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) and two Cotonou Boats illicitly siphoning crude oil from pipelines at Cawthorne Channel and Alakri in Rivers State. Subsequently, the IRS and boats were engaged and obliterated.
Also similar precision strikes were executed at Krakama in Rivers State on the same day, targeting three Cotonou Boats transporting suspected illegally refined products. On November 13, 2023, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft carried out additional strikes at Dariama Village in Rivers State following intelligence reports of illegal refining activities in the vicinity.
Upon arrival, three IRS, complete with tanks, pipes, and pumping machines, along with Cotonou Boats laden with suspected illegally refined products, were sighted, engaged, and ultimately destroyed.
These escalated air operations are proactive measures aimed at safeguarding the nation’s economic interests and deterring criminal elements involved in oil theft. The NAF, in collaboration with sister services and other security agencies, remains steadfast in its commitment to securing vital government resources and infrastructure in the Niger Delta Region and beyond.
