Nigerian Air Force targets and eliminates six illegal oil refining sites in Rivers

In a recent operation, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reported the successful destruction of six illegal oil refining sites in Opu Arugbana, located in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers, on December 23. The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe executed these strategic strikes, aiming to curtail the activities of oil thieves and pipeline vandals in the Niger Delta region.

Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, revealed in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja that the illicit sites were identified within an approximate 80-meter radius, situated about 6 nautical miles south of Opu Arugbana. Following confirmation of their active status, authorization was obtained to eliminate these six sites, serving as a deterrent to criminals engaged in illegal oil-related activities.

“In spite of the festive season, air operations against criminals in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country continue unabated,” Gabkwet emphasized.

Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, expressed commendation for the efforts of the Air Component Commanders across various operational theaters. Spending Christmas day with troops in the Northeast and currently present in Katsina to celebrate with troops, Abubakar urged them to persevere until criminal activities were significantly minimized. This operation underscores the ongoing commitment to ensuring the security and stability of the region.