By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Nigerian Airforce airstrikes have led to the the destruction of six illegal refining sites and five Cotonou Boats in Rivers State.
NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said in a press statement on Tuesday that the airstrikes were carried out in the last three days by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe.
He said: “On 12 November 2023, intelligence received revealed the sighting of 3 active illegal refining sites (IRS) and two Cotonou Boats siphoning crude oil from pipelines at Cawthorne Channel and Alakri in Rivers State.
“The IRS and boats were subsequently engaged and destroyed.
“Similar strikes were also carried out at Krakama in Rivers State, on the same day, on three Cotonou Boats sighted conveying suspected illegal refined products.
“On 13 November 2023, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft also struck some sites at Dariama Village in Rivers State following intelligence report of illegal refining activities near the location.
“On arrival, three IRS with tanks, pipes and pumping machines as well as Cotonou Boats loaded with suspected illegally refined products were sighted, engaged and subsequently destroyed.
“The intensified air operations should be seen as proactive measures to safeguard the economic interests of the nation and deter criminal elements involved in oil theft”.
