The Air Component of the “Operation Delta Safe” led by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully destroyed multiple illegal oil refining sites and barges laden with stolen crude oil products across various communities in Rivers State.
In a statement issued by AVM Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, on Wednesday in Abuja, it was revealed that the operations took place between Monday and Tuesday.
The targeted areas included Bille, Dariama, Elem Bekinkiri, Temakiri, Opumakiri, and Degema, all located within Rivers State.
According to Gabkwet, the NAF identified and engaged several illegal oil refining sites and barges found to be involved in illicit activities.
At Bille, a barge filled with illegal refined products was intercepted and neutralized as it navigated through the creeks.
”Illegal oil refining sites at Elem Bekinkiri and Opumakiri were, however, observed to consist of abandoned IRS,” he said.
”At Degema, several active illegal refining sites with reservoirs filled with illegally refined products were observed and engaged accordingly, setting them ablaze.
”It is pertinent to note that some of the illegal refining sites at Bille and Dariama have been destroyed in the past but were reactivated.
”Accordingly, the NAF and other security agencies will continue to intensify efforts at discovering and disrupting the activities of the oil thieves operating in the region and beyond,” he said.
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