The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has destroyed 13 illegal refining sites and seven Cotonou boats as well as dispersed five J-5 buses attempting to siphon crude oil products from surface tanks in Rivers, Bayelsa and Imo States.
A statement by NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet said the airstrikes conducted on 18 June 2024 destroyed illegal refining sites near Imo River with seven overhead tanks.
Also on 19 June 2024, airstrikes conducted at Wilcourt in Rivers State destroyed an illegal site and canoe filled with illegally refined products, as well as some gun boats.
AVM Gabkwet stated further that following intelligence report of some illegal refining sites located about 6km from Tunu in Bayelsa State, the aircrew struck the location with precision airstrikes leading to its destruction.
Again on 22 June 2024, the aircrew spotted five J5 buses, “probably reconfigured into mini tankers”, at the bank of Imo River attempting to siphon illegally refined products.
He said the aircrew engaged the economic saboteurs and destroyed the illegal refining sites feeding the buses while the J5 buses were later seen dispersed with some taking cover under trees to avoid detection.
Gabkwet said airstrikes against economic saboteurs and oil thieves have continued to record the expected outcomes majorly due to improved intelligence, enhanced air to ground coordination, and most importantly, due to NAF’s improved agility and resilience.
He assured that these operations will be sustained until the activities of the saboteurs are reduced to the barest minimum.