NAF Airstrikes Destroy Illegal Refining Sites, Boats In Rivers

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said its aircraft deployed for Operation Delta Safe destroyed four illegal refining sites (IRS) and two Cotonou boats at Arugbana near Okrika in Rivers State.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Cdre Edward Gabkwet, said the airstrikes were undertaken on November 28, 2023.

He said the aircraft on the same day also destroyed an active Illegal Refining Site (IRS) with equipment and reservoirs loaded with illegal products at Yellow Island near Bonny Island in Rivers State.

The director said similar strikes were also conducted on November 27, 2023 at a location Southeast of Abisse in the state.

He said the aircraft sighted at the location, an active IRS concealed with reservoirs and a storage tank suspected to contain illegally refined products. Subsequently, the reservoirs and storage tanks were engaged and destroyed.

The aircraft struck another location Northwest of Omama as it was observed to be containing items suspected to be stolen crude oil in objects tied in sacks.

“Subsequent reconnaissance flights over Cawthorne Channel, Bille, Dariama, Okrika, Bonny Island and Idama revealed a retinue of destroyed and abandoned IRS, hitherto destroyed by the Air Component.

“These sites remain inactive, an indication that the measures being employed may be yielding the expected outcome” he added.

He said the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe will continue to carry out its assigned duties until the activities of the saboteurs are completely halted or reduced to the barest minimum.