The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) claimed it obliterated 13 illegal oil refining sites and seven boats in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Imo states. This announcement, dripping with pride, was delivered by NAF spokesman Edward Gabkwet on Sunday.
What They Are saying
From June 18 to 22, 2024, NAF’s Air Component of Operation Delta Safe launched airstrikes that decimated these illicit operations. Not only were the refining sites turned to rubble, but seven Cotonou boats and five buses attempting to siphon off suspected crude oil from surface tanks also met their fiery end.
“On June 18, 2024, several illegal sites near Imo River were discovered. With seven overhead tanks, these sites were promptly destroyed while the so-called bunkerers scattered like cockroaches,” Gabkwet’s statement revealed.
Why It Matters
The airstrikes didn’t stop there. On June 19, 2024, NAF extended its operations to Wilcourt in Rivers State. Here, an illegal site, a canoe brimming with stolen products, and some gunboats were spotted and swiftly eradicated.
Further, intelligence led the NAF to another illegal refining site about 6km from Tunu in Bayelsa State. With surgical precision, the aircrew identified and obliterated this site as well.
But the pièce de résistance came on June 22, 2024. The aircrew spotted five J5 buses—likely modified into mini tankers—on the bank of Imo River, preparing to siphon off illegally refined products. Astonished by this new tactic from the economic saboteurs, the aircrew wasted no time in destroying the illegal refining sites feeding these buses. The buses were later seen fleeing, some trying to hide under trees.
Gabkwet asserted that these airstrikes against oil thieves and economic saboteurs will continue unabated until such criminal activities are reduced to nearly nothing.
In the ongoing war against oil theft, the Nigerian Air Force seems to be saying: “Keep running, because we’re not stopping.”
Bottom Line
This aggressive stance by the NAF against oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta sends a clear message: the era of turning a blind eye is over, and the skies are no longer safe for those who plunder Nigeria’s resources.
