The air component of Operation Delta Safe has successfully obliterated six illegal oil refining sites located in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The clandestine facilities, discovered within an approximately 80-meter radius, were situated about 6 nautical miles south of Opu Arugbana.
A statement released on Tuesday by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, revealed that permission to bomb the illegal refining sites was granted after it was confirmed that the sites were actively engaged in illicit activities.
The statement read, “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 six illegal oil refining sites in Opu Arugbana in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
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“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, authorization was obtained to destroy the 6 sites, thus discouraging the criminals from continuing with their acts of illegality.”
Despite the ongoing festive season, the Nigerian Air Force emphasized its commitment to relentless air operations against oil thieves and criminals nationwide.
Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, spent Christmas day with troops in the Northeast and is currently in Katsina, encouraging Operation Hadarin Daji troops.
He commended the Air Component Commanders in all theaters of operation, urging them not to relent until criminal activities are significantly reduced.
The statement concluded with a firm commitment to maintaining the pressure on criminal elements, ensuring the safety and security of communities in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country.
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