In an effort to combat the activities of crude oil thieves and illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region, a Nigerian Airforce jet from the Air Component, Operation Delta Safe, conducted a successful operation, destroying an illegal refinery site near Dariama in Rivers State.
According to Director Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the operation was a targeted response to the criminal enterprise, employing intense firepower from the Air Component.
The air strike was intelligence-driven and effectively neutralised the illegal oil refining site located at Dariama Village, approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Abonnema and 50 kilometres southwest of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
During the operation, the site was found to be actively engaged in illegal refining, with numerous tanks and reservoirs filled with suspected illegal refined products.
The decisive air strike demonstrates the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to eradicating the activities of oil thieves and illegal oil bunkerers in the region.
The Niger Delta has been grappling with the menace of crude oil theft and illegal refining for years, causing significant environmental degradation and economic losses.
The successful operation by the Nigerian Airforce serves as a strong message to those involved in illegal oil activities, reaffirming the government’s determination to combat the criminal acts and protect the region’s valuable natural resources.