NAF Cracks Down on Illegal Refining: 13 Sites Destroyed

Air Force Destroys 13 Illegal Refining Sites in Swift Operation

Nigerian Air Force destroys 13 illegal refining sites in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Imo states in a swift operation, targeting economic saboteurs and oil thieves, with airstrikes carried out from June 18 to June 22, 2024.

Thirteen illegal refining stations in the states of Rivers, Bayelsa, and Imo have reportedly been destroyed by Nigerian Air Force officers working on Operation Delta Safe.

The NAF spokesperson, Edward Gabkwet, stated that the unlawful locations were demolished from June 18 to June 22. 

“Some of the illegal sites were discovered near Imo River on 18 June 2024 with 7 overhead tanks which were subsequently destroyed while several suspected bunkers were seen fleeing.

“Air strikes were also extended to Wilcourt in Rivers State on 19 June 2024 after an illegal site and canoe filled with illegally refined products as well as some gunboats, were seen.

“Similarly, following intelligence of some illegal refining sites located about 6km from Tunu in Bayelsa State, the aircrew proceeded to the location to identify and destroy the site a task carried out with the utmost precision.

“Another significant strike undertaken by the air component was carried out on 22 June 2024, when the crew spotted 5 x J5 buses, probably reconfigured into mini tankers at the bank of Imo River attempting to siphon illegally refined products.

“Amazed at this change of tactics by these economic saboteurs, the crew did not hesitate to immediately destroy the illegal refining sites feeding the buses. The J5 buses were later seen dispersed with some taking cover under trees to avoid detection.”

According to a NAF spokeswoman, more information, greater air-to-ground coordination, and personnel agility and resilience have all contributed to the airstrikes against “economic saboteurs and oil thieves” continuing to produce the anticipated results.

According to Gabkwet, the operations would continue till the least amount of oil thieves' activity remains.