To combat oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta Region, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched a series of targeted airstrikes, destroying several illicit refining sites and barges in Rivers State.
According to Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, the operation conducted between March 25th and 26th, 2024, targeted notorious areas including Bille, Dariama, Elem Bekinkiri, Temakiri, Opumakiri, and Degema.
At Bille, a barge laden with illegal refined products was detected navigating through the creeks and promptly eliminated by the airstrike. In Dariama and Tumakiri, active illegal refining sites equipped with reservoirs and cooking pots were identified and destroyed.
Although some sites at Elem Bekinkiri and Opumakiri were found to be abandoned, Degema revealed several active illegal refining sites, their reservoirs brimming with illicitly refined products, all of which were swiftly engulfed in flames.
It’s worth noting that despite previous efforts to dismantle illegal operations in Bille and Dariama, some sites had been reactivated, indicating the persistent challenges faced in curbing oil theft in the region.
AVM Gabkwet stated the commitment of NAF and other security agencies to intensify efforts in detecting and disrupting the activities of oil thieves, not only within the Niger Delta but also extending beyond its borders.
