The air component of Nigeria’s military special task force, “Operation Delta Safe,” targeted several illegal oil refining sites in Rivers on Friday and Saturday, aiming to curb the activities of economic saboteurs.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, announced in Abuja on Sunday that the airstrikes significantly weakened the capabilities of oil thieves.
He emphasized that the strikes were effective in dismantling the operations of those illegally tapping into pipelines to extract crude oil.
AVM Gabkwet also noted that an illegal refining site in the Idama community was destroyed, along with four boats that were discovered transporting illegally refined products.
“Similar reconnaissance missions were conducted over the Ogbomkiri community, where an active illegal refining site was identified and destroyed.
“Reconnaissance over the Arugbana community showed that oil thieves were trying to set up an illegal refining site and, on sighting the approaching aircraft, they scampered to safety.
“Several illegal sites were also observed in the Samkiri community and were engaged and destroyed.
“In all, about seven illegal refining sites and four boats were discovered and destroyed in the two-day operation,’’ Mr Gabkwet said.
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