The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe have destroyed seven illegal refining sites and four boats in Rivers State.
NAF, in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet said the airstrikes were carried out between 12-13 April 2024 at some locations in the state.
AVM Gabkwet said the airstrikes targeted oil thieves involved in bursting and siphoning crude oil from pipelines.
Specifically, the Navy spokesman said the aircraft at Idama community, observed and engaged an active illegal refining site.
Furthermore, an armed reconnaissance undertaken over Yellow Island and Cawthorne Channel revealed four boats loaded with illegally refined products heading southwards.
Consequently, the boats were engaged and destroyed accordingly.
Gabkwet said a similar reconnaissance missions were conducted over Ogbomkiri, Arugbana, Ivy Island and Samkiri.
He said the ISR over Ogbomkiri, observed an active illegal refining site and engaged accordingly.
Also at Arugbana, oil thieves were seen trying to set up an illegal refining site and, on sighting the approaching aircraft, scampered for safety.
In the same vein, several illegal sites were observed at SAMKIRI and therefore, engaged and destroyed.
“In all, about 7 illegal refining sites and 4 boats were discovered and destroyed within the two days operation,” he said.
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