The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) recently conducted successful airstrikes in Abia and Rivers States, destroying 12 illegal refining sites and two reservoirs as part of Operation Delta Safe. AVM Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF, highlighted the intensified efforts to combat oil thieves and economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta region.
The reconnaissance missions revealed illegal refining sites in fenced households at Umueze in Abia and at Komkom and Okoloma in Rivers State. The discovered sites were hidden under thick vegetation, emphasizing the complexity of the illegal oil refining trade that requires a multidimensional approach beyond airstrikes.
Gabkwet emphasized the dangers posed by illegal refining activities to human lives, health, and the environment. He affirmed NAF’s commitment to continue armed reconnaissance missions and destroying illegal refining sites to tackle crude oil theft and economic sabotage.
It is crucial for individuals engaged in these illegal activities to understand the grave consequences and for the public to support measures to reduce such activities in the region.