Nigerian Military Conducts Airstrikes On Illegal Refineries In Rivers State Communities

The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has said that its Operation Water Delta Safe Air strikes have destroyed illegal Refining Site (IRS) with equipment and reservoirs loaded with illegal products at Yellow Island near Bonny Island in Rivers State.

 

It was learnt that the air strikes also destroyed no fewer than two Cotonou boats sighted at Arugbana near Okrika in the state.

 

This was contained in statement signed by the Air Force Spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on Wednesday noting that flights over Cawthorne Channel, Bille, Dariama, Okrika, Bonny Island and Idama revealed a retinue of destroyed and abandoned IRS, hitherto destroyed by the Air Component.

 

The statement read in part, "Air strikes against economic saboteurs and oil thieves continued unabated in South-south Nigeria as aircraft of the Nigerian Air Force under Operation Delta Safe, on 28 November 2023, destroyed 2 Cotonou boats sighted at Arugbana near Okrika in Rivers State.

 

"On the same day, the aircraft also destroyed an active Illegal Refining Site (IRS) with equipment and reservoirs loaded with illegal products at Yellow Island near Bonny Island in Rivers State.

 

"Similar strikes were also conducted on 27 November 2023 at a location Southeast of Abisse in Rivers state. At the location, an active IRS was sighted concealed with reservoirs and a storage tank suspected to contain illegally refined products.

 

"The reservoirs and storage tanks were then engaged and destroyed. Another location Northwest of Omama was also struck as it was observed to be containing items suspected to contain stolen crude oil in objects tied in sacks.

 

"Subsequent reconnaissance flights over Cawthorne Channel, Bille, Dariama, Okrika, Bonny Island and Idama revealed a retinue of destroyed and abandoned IRS, hitherto destroyed by the Air Component. These sites remain inactive, an indication that the measures being employed may be yielding the expected outcome.

 

"Either way, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe will continue to carry out its assigned duties until the activities of these saboteurs are completely halted or reduced to the barest minimum," the statement added.