NAF Destroys Illegal Oil Refining Sites and Barges in Rivers State

The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe, under the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has successfully destroyed several illegal oil refining sites and barges laden with stolen crude oil products in Rivers State.

The operation, which took place between March 25 and 26, 2024, targeted sites and barges in Bille, Dariama, Elem Bekinkiri, Temakiri, Opumakiri, and Degema.

According to Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information, the NAF team observed a barge filled with illegal refined products meandering through the creeks near Bille and subsequently struck it.

At Dariama and Tumakiri, active illegal refining sites with reservoirs and cooking pots were destroyed.

In Elem Bekinkiri and Opumakiri, the team discovered abandoned refining sites filled with illegally refined products, which were subsequently engaged and set ablaze.

Some of the refining sites in Bille and Dariama had been previously destroyed but were later reactivated.

The NAF and other security agencies are committed to intensifying their efforts to discover and disrupt the activities of oil thieves operating in the region and beyond.

By targeting these illegal refining sites and barges, the NAF aims to curb the loss of revenue and environmental degradation caused by these criminal activities.

The successful destruction of illegal oil refining sites and barges in Rivers State by the NAF’s Air Component of Operation Delta Safe is a significant step towards curbing oil theft and promoting a cleaner environment.

The NAF and other security agencies will continue to collaborate in their efforts to combat these illegal activities and protect Nigeria’s natural resources.