ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully destroyed 13 illegal refining sites and 7 Cotonou boats in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Imo states through airstrikes conducted between June 18 and 22.
The airstrikes also targeted five J-5 buses attempting to siphon stolen crude oil from surface tanks, according to NAF’s spokesperson, Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet who announced this in a statement on Sunday, June 23.
Gabkwet said, “Some of the illegal sites were discovered near Imo River on June 18, 2024 with 7 overhead tanks, which were subsequently destroyed while several suspected bunkerers were seen fleeing.
“Air strikes were also extended to Wilcourt in Rivers State on June 19, 2024 after an illegal site and canoe filled with illegally refined products, as well as some gun boats, were seen.”
He added, “Similarly, following Intelligence of some illegal refining sites located about 6km from Tunu in Bayelsa State, the aircrew proceeded to the location to identify and destroy the site, a task carried out with the utmost precision.”
“Another significant strike undertaken by the air component was carried out on 22 June 2024, when the crew spotted 5 x J5 buses, probably reconfigured into mini tankers, at the bank of Imo River attempting to siphon illegally refined products.
READ ALSO: NSCDC Uncovers Illegal Refinery, Arrests 12 Suspects In Abia
“Amazed at this change of tactics by these economic saboteurs, the crew did not hesitate to immediately destroy the illegal refining sites feeding the buses.The J5 buses were later seen dispersed with some taking cover under trees to avoid detection.”
He noted that the airstrikes were carried out with precision, destroying the illegal sites and assets used by economic saboteurs and oil thieves.
“The operations were made possible through improved intelligence, enhanced air-to-ground coordination, and the NAF’s increased agility and resilience,” Gabkwet said.
The NAF has vowed to sustain the operations until the activities of these saboteurs are significantly reduced.
“The airstrikes against economic saboteurs and oil thieves have continued to record the expected outcomes majorly due to improved intelligence, enhanced air to ground coordination, and most importantly, due to NAF’s improved agility and resilience.
“The operations will be sustained until the activities of these saboteurs are reduced to the barest minimum”, Gabkwet stated.