The Nigerian Air Force announced on Sunday that its Air Component of Operation Delta Safe successfully destroyed two illegal refining sites along the Imo River on Saturday, June 7, 2024.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of NAF Public Relations and Information, stated that the strikes took place just hours after Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, met with Governor Alex Otti of Abia State to discuss the establishment of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base in the state.
Gabkwet announced that on March 1, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe bombed illegal oil refining sites and boats during operations. The effort targeted illegal oil refining sites at Krakama and Temakiri in Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State, located about 50 km southwest of Port Harcourt. Active refining sites and nearby Cotonou Boats were destroyed by fire. Reconnaissance extended to Abisse and Omoma revealed only abandoned sites.
Gabkwet affirmed that the service, in collaboration with other security agencies, will continue efforts to eradicate oil theft.