NAF bombs 6 illegal refineries, 5 Cotonou boats in Rivers

The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) claims it has struck and destroyed six illegal refining sites, as well as five Cotonou boats in Rivers State over activities involving oil theft and bunkering.

The Nigerian Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, disclosed this in a press release.

According to Air Commodore Gabkwet, the strike part of efforts to combat oil theft and checkmate the activities of economic sabotours in the Niger Delta Region.

Gabkwet revealed that the operation was carried out by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe which has, in the last three days, intensified its air operations, destroying illegal refining sites and the Cotonou Boats in parts of Rivers State.

He stated: “On 12 November 2023, intelligence received revealed the sighting of 3 active Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) and 2 Cotonou Boats siphoning crude oil from pipelines at Cawthorne Channel and Alakri in Rivers State.

“The IRS and boats were subsequently engaged and destroyed. Similar strikes were also carried out at Krakama in Rivers State, on the same day, on 3 Cotonou Boats sighted conveying suspected illegal refined products.

“On 13 November 2023, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft also struck some sites at Dariama Village in Rivers State following intelligence report  of illegal refining activities near the location.

“On arrival, 3 IRS with tanks, pipes and pumping machines as well as Cotonou Boats loaded with suspected illegally refined products were sighted, engaged and subsequently destroyed.

“The intensified air operations should be seen as proactive measures to safeguard the economic interests of the nation and deter criminal elements involved in oil theft.”

Gabkwet assured that NAF, alongside sister Services and other security agencies, remains committed in its efforts to secure vital government resources and infrastructures in the Niger Delta Region and beyond. Read more.

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