The Nigerian Air Force’s decisive air strikes have effectively dismantled operations involving stolen crude oil in Rivers State. The ongoing efforts of the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) are targeting the core activities of oil thieves and their allies in the Niger Delta Region.
In a recent operation on August 5, 2023, approximately 4 nautical miles southeast of Bille, a riverine area near Bonny Island and south of Port Harcourt, the Air Force engaged and destroyed three boats that were illicitly siphoning crude oil from a pipeline. The operation was conducted in coordination with flights toward Port Harcourt.
During this mission, the crew identified an active site for illegal refining, complete with tanks and reservoirs housing suspected illegally refined products. Located about 4 miles southeast of Idama in Rivers State, this site was subsequently targeted and obliterated.
According to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, these air strikes will persistently continue against those who undermine the economy through theft and sabotage. This resolute effort aims to deter further acts of thievery and economic sabotage from these perpetrators.”
