Operation Delta Safe has, in the last three days, intensified its air operations, destroying six Illegal Refining Sites and five Cotonou Boats in Rivers State.

According to spokesman for the Airforce, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on November 12, intelligence received revealed the sighting of three active Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) and two Cotonou boats siphoning crude oil from pipelines at Cawthorne Channel and Alakri in Rivers State.

He said: “The IRS and boats were subsequently engaged and destroyed. Similar strikes were also carried out at Krakama in Rivers State on the same day on three Cotonou boats sighted conveying suspected illegal refined products. On November 13, 2023, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft also struck some sites at Dariama Village in Rivers State following intelligence report of illegal refining activities near the location. 

“On arrival, three IRS with tanks, pipes and pumping machines and Cotonou boats loaded with suspected illegally refined products were sighted, engaged and subsequently destroyed.”