Oil Theft: Air strikes destroy 13 Illegal refining sites, 7 boats, reconfigured J5 buses in Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo States

In furtherance of efforts at combating oil theft criminals in the Niger Delta, Nigerian Air Force,  aircraft have bombed thirteen illegal crude oil refining sites, seven Cotonou boats and five reconfigured J5 buses used for siphoning of stolen crude, in air strikes.

Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of NAF Public Relations and Information made this known on Sunday in a statement.

Part of the Gabkwet's statement  reads: "Between 18-22 June 2024, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has destroyed 13 illegal refining sites and 7 Cotonou boats as well as dispersed 5 J-5 buses attempting to siphon suspected crude oil products from surface tanks. 

"Some of the illegal sites were discovered near Imo River on 18 June 2024 with 7 overhead tanks, which were subsequently destroyed while several suspected bunkerers were seen fleeing. 

"Air strikes were also extended to Wilcourt in Rivers State on 19 June 2024 after an illegal site  and canoe filled with illegally refined products, as well as some gun boats, were seen. 

"Similarly, following Intelligence of some illegal refining sites located about 6km from Tunu in Bayelsa State, the aircrew proceeded to the location to identify and destroy the site, a task carried out with the utmost precision.

"Another significant strike undertaken by the air component was carried out on 22 June 2024, when the crew spotted 5 numbers J5 buses, probably reconfigured into mini tankers, at the bank of Imo River attempting to siphon illegally refined products. 

"Amazed at this change of tactics by these economic saboteurs,  the crew did not hesitate to immediately destroy the illegal refining sites feeding the buses.

"The J5 buses were later seen dispersed with some taking cover under trees to avoid detection.

"Air strikes against economic saboteurs and oil thieves have continued to record the expected outcomes majorly due to improved intelligence, enhanced air to ground co-ordination, and most importantly, due to NAF's improved agility and resilience. 

"These operations will be sustained until the activities of these saboteurs are reduced to the barest minimum."