The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced that the Air Component of “Operation Delta Safe” successfully demolished numerous illegal oil refining sites and barges carrying stolen crude oil products in Rivers.

In a statement released by AVM Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, it was revealed that the sites and barges were discovered between Monday and Tuesday in locations such as Bille, Dariama, Elem Bekinkiri, Temakiri, Opumakiri, and Degema, all situated in Rivers.

Gabkwet explained that a barge loaded with illegal refined products was spotted navigating the creeks in Bille and subsequently targeted and destroyed.

Furthermore, active illegal refining sites containing reservoirs and cooking pots were identified and engaged at Dariama and Tumakiri, resulting in their destruction.

The statement highlighted that the illegal oil refining sites at Elem Bekinkiri and Opumakiri were found to be abandoned, while at Degema, several active illegal refining sites with reservoirs filled with illegally refined products were observed and subsequently set ablaze.

It is worth noting that some of the illegal refining sites in Bille and Dariama had been previously destroyed but were later reactivated. As a result, the NAF, along with other security agencies, will continue to intensify their efforts in discovering and disrupting the activities of oil thieves operating in the region and beyond.

The RAF remains committed to combating illegal oil refining activities and protecting the natural resources of the country.