Air strikes destroy six illegal refineries in Rivers

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says six illegal oil refining sites have been destroyed at Opu Arugbana in Degema LGA of Rivers.

Edward Gabkwet, NAF spokesperson, in a statement on Tuesday, said the strike was conducted by the air component of operation Delta Safe.

Gabkwet said the illegal refineries were confirmed to be functional and were destroyed on December 23.

“In continuation of efforts to rid the Niger Delta Region of activities of oil thieves and oil pipeline vandals, air strikes by the air component of operation Delta Safe, on 23 December 2023, destroyed 6 illegal oil refining sites in Opu Arugbana in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers state,” the statement reads.

The illegal sites were sighted clustered within a radius of about 80 metres at a location about 6 nautical miles south of Opu Arugbana.

“Having been confirmed to be active, authorisation was obtained to destroy the 6 sites, thus discouraging the criminals from continuing with their acts of illegality.

“Despite the festive season, air operations against criminals in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country continue unabated.”

The spokesperson said Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff, commended the air component commanders in all theatres of operation for their efforts in eliminating criminal activities in the country.