The Nigerian Airforce says Air component of Operation Delta Safe have conducted airstrikes between the 12th and 13th April at some locations in Rivers State.
A statement by Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet says the operation have significantly diminished the capabilities of oil thieves to continue in their nefarious efforts at bursting and siphoning crude oil.
The statement emphasize that at Idama community, an active illegal refining site was observed and engaged.
Also, armed reconnaissance undertaken over yellow island and cawthorne channel reveals four boats loaded with illegally refined products heading southwards. The boats were subsequently engaged and destroyed.
According to the statement, similar reconnaissance missions were conducted over Ogbomkiri, Arugbana, Ivy Island and Samkiri.
At Ogbomkiri, an active illegal refining site was identified and engaged accordingly, while at Arugbana, oil thieves were seen trying to set up an illegal refining site and, on sighting the approaching aircraft, scampered for safety.
Several illegal sites were also observed at Samkiri, and were engaged and destroyed.
The statement adds that in all, about seven illegal refining sites and four boats were discovered and destroyed within the two day operation.
PR/Usman Sani.
