The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has conducted air strikes on illegal oil refining sites and barges containing stolen crude oil products in the Niger Delta Region. According to Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), these operations took place between March 25 and 26, 2024, targeting locations in Rivers State including Bille, Dariama, Elem Bekinkiri, Temakiri, Opumakiri, and Degema.
During the operation, a barge loaded with illegal refined products was intercepted and destroyed at Bille. At Dariama and Tumakiri, active illegal refining sites equipped with reservoirs and cooking pots were identified and subsequently eradicated. Similarly, illegal oil refining sites at Elem Bekinkiri and Opumakiri were discovered, although found to be deserted.
In Degema, multiple active illegal refining sites containing reservoirs filled with illicitly refined products were identified and destroyed, engulfing them in flames. Notably, some of the sites targeted at Bille and Dariama had been previously dismantled but were found to be reactivated.
The NAF, in collaboration with other security agencies, reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts to uncover and disrupt the operations of oil thieves in the region and beyond.
