Airstrikes by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft destroyed 13 illegal refineries, ten overhead tanks, and several gallons in Rivers state’s Obuzor and Okoloma communities.
The NAF’s spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Edward Gabkwet, stated this in a statement on Sunday, August 11.
AVM Gabkwet said while the criminal elements dispersed in disarray after sighting the aircrafts, a six-tyre truck and canoes belonging to the oil thieves were also destroyed by the strikes.
He stated that the crew continued to patrol the Trans Niger Pipeline from Rumuekpe-Nkpoku to Bonny line following the strikes, but they saw no unusual activity.
He stated that the team increased their patrol in the following locations of the Bonny line: Rumuekpe-Nkpoku, Nkpoku-New Ebubu Trunkline, End Point, Bodo trunk line, Point, and Small line attachment.
What they’re saying
He stated: “Even though efforts have been increased to reduce the activities of oil thieves and economic saboteurs in their illegal and nefarious acts of bursting oil pipelines and syphoning crude oil or its products, the rate at which illegal oil refining sites continue to spring up necessitates drastic measures.
“Accordingly, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has stepped up patrols more often, particularly in the Niger Delta area, in an effort to find and destroy illegal oil processing facilities.
Bottom Line
By targeting 13 illegal refineries and other assets, the NAF is sending a strong message to those involved in these illegal activities. The destruction of infrastructure used for oil theft can disrupt the operations of criminal networks, potentially reducing the incidence of oil theft and its associated environmental damage.
The mention of dispersal by the criminals also indicates a potential deterrence effect, though the resilience of these networks means they may regroup or relocate, underscoring the need for sustained and adaptive enforcement efforts.
