The Nigerian Air Force (NAF)’s Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has destroyed thirteen illegal refining sites and seven Cotonou boats in Rivers, Bayelsa and Imo states.
The director of public relations and information, NAF, AVM Edward, said that the air interdictions conducted between June 18 and June 22, also dispersed five J-5 buses attempting to siphon suspected crude oil products from surface tanks.
He said some of the illegal sites were discovered near Imo River on June 18 with seven overhead tanks, which were later destroyed while several suspected bunkers fled.
Gabkwet added that air strikes also extended to Wilcourt in Rivers on June 19, after an illegal site and canoe filled with illegally refined products as well as some gunboats – saying the aircrew also destroyed some illegal refining sites about 6 km from Tunu in Bayelsa.
He said the air component undertook another significant strike on June 22, when the crew spotted 5xJ5 buses, probably reconfigured into mini tankers at the bank of Imo River attempting to siphon illegally refined products.
