NAF airstrikes shatter 13 illegal refining sites in Bayelsa, Imo, Rivers
Air Component of Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe has demobilised about 13 Illegal refining sites in Rivers, Bayelsa and Imo states during coordinated air raid operations in its area of responsibility, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said.
This is contained in a statement on Sunday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, AVM Edward Gabkwet.
The statement also said that seven Cotonou boats and five J-5 buses used by economic saboteurs to siphon crude oil were also uncovered and dismantled through airstrikes.
“Between 18-22 June 2024, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has destroyed 13 illegal refining sites and seven Cotonou boats and also dispersed 5 x J-5 buses attempting to siphon suspected crude oil products from surface tanks,” the statement said.
According to Gabkwet, the illegal sites were discovered near Imo River on 18 June 2024, with 7 overhead tanks, which were subsequently destroyed, while several suspected bunkerers were seen fleeing,” the statement added.
“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. Some gunboats were also 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,” Gabkwet said.
The NAF spokesperson also revealed that another significant strike undertaken by the air component was carried out on 22nd, June 2024, when the crew spotted five 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,” the statement further revealed.
The minister noted that air strikes against economic saboteurs and oil thieves had continued to record the expected outcomes majorly due to improved intelligence, enhanced air-to-ground coordination and most importantly NAF’s improved agility and resilience.
He assured that the operations would be sustained until the activities of the saboteurs were reduced to the barest minimum.
