The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a significant achievement in its ongoing efforts to combat illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta region. On Sunday, NAF's Air Component of Operation Delta Safe successfully destroyed 13 illegal refining sites, 10 overhead tanks, and various containers filled with illegally refined products near Obuzor and Okoloma.
Strategic
Airstrikes Target Illegal Refining Operations
According
to a statement by Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations
and Information, this successful operation is a result of increased aerial
patrols by the Air Force, particularly in the Niger Delta region. The mission
aimed to identify and neutralize illegal refining activities that exploit the
challenging terrain to carry out their operations.
"In
one of our most effective operations conducted along the Imo River near Obuzor
and Okoloma, several active illegal refining sites were discovered. These
sites, numbering about 13, were using the difficult terrain to perpetrate their
illegal activities," the statement said.
Destruction
of Refining Sites and Equipment
The
NAF aircrew employed advanced weaponry on board their aircraft to target and
destroy the illegal sites. In addition to the refining sites, several overhead
tanks connected to reservoirs and numerous gallons of illegally refined
products were also obliterated during the operation.
"These
sites were subsequently destroyed after the crew employed the weapons on board
the aircraft. Several overhead tanks connected to reservoirs as well as
numerous gallons were also destroyed in the process," Air Vice Marshal
Gabkwet confirmed.
Targeting
Illegal Transportation of Refined Products
On
the same day, the aircrew extended their patrol downstream along the riverbank.
During this extended patrol, they spotted a 6-tyre tipper truck accompanied by
four canoes, which were in the process of loading illegal products into the
truck. Upon spotting the aircraft, the criminals fled the scene in disarray,
leaving their equipment behind. The truck and canoes were swiftly targeted and
destroyed by the NAF airstrike.
Continued
Vigilance Over Key Infrastructure
The
operation did not stop there. The NAF aircrew continued their patrol over the
Trans Niger Pipeline, covering key points from Rumuekpe-Nkpoku to Bonny. The
patrol included areas such as the End Point, Bodo trunk line, Small line
attachment, Nkpoku-New Ebubu Trunkline, and Rumuekpe-Nkpoku line. Fortunately,
no unusual activities were observed during this extended surveillance.
Key
Points:
- Successful
Airstrikes: NAF destroyed 13 illegal refining
sites and 10 overhead tanks in the Niger Delta.
- Targeted
Operations: The operation took place near Obuzor
and Okoloma, key areas known for illegal refining activities.
- Continued
Surveillance: NAF remains vigilant, extending
patrols over crucial infrastructure like the Trans Niger Pipeline.
- Commitment
to Security: The Air Force's increased
patrols are part of a broader effort to secure the Niger Delta region and
protect Nigeria's resources.
Stay informed with Naija Newshawk for the latest updates on security operations and other significant developments across Nigeria.
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