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Nigerian Air Force Dismantles 13 Illegal Refining Sites and 10 Overhead Tanks in Major Niger Delta Operation.
On Sunday, the Nigerian Air Force’s Air Component of Operation Delta Safe executed a significant operation targeting illegal oil refining activities in the Niger Delta region. The operation, conducted near Obizor and Okoloma along the Imo River, resulted in the destruction of 13 illegal refining sites and 10 overhead tanks, along with several gallons of illicitly refined products.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information, highlighted that this successful operation came as a result of increased patrol efforts by the Air Force in the Niger Delta. The illegal refining sites were strategically positioned in challenging terrains, making them difficult to detect and target. However, the Air Force’s heightened surveillance capabilities enabled the identification and subsequent destruction of these sites.
In addition to targeting the refining sites, the operation also led to the destruction of a 6-tyre tipper truck and four canoes that were observed loading illegal products along the riverbank. The truck and canoes were destroyed after the crew noted the criminals’ attempt to disperse upon sighting the aircraft.
Following the primary mission, the patrol extended to monitor key points along the Trans Niger Pipeline, including the End Point, Bodo trunk line, Small line attachment, Nkpoku-New Ebubu Trunkline, and the Rumuekpe-Nkpoku line. The patrol did not report any unusual activity during this surveillance.
This operation underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to combating illegal oil activities and safeguarding the environmental and economic interests of the region.