NAF Destroys 13 Illegal Refining Sites

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conducted successful operations, destroying 13 illegal refining sites and seven Cotonou boats across Rivers, Bayelsa, and Imo states.

AVM Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, reported in Abuja that these air interdictions took place between June 18 and June 22.

The operations also thwarted five J-5 buses attempting to siphon suspected crude oil products from surface tanks.

On June 18, illegal sites near Imo River were discovered, featuring seven overhead tanks which were subsequently obliterated, forcing several suspected bunkerers to flee the scene.

Further airstrikes on June 19 targeted Wilcourt in Rivers, destroying an illegal site and a canoe laden with illegally refined products, along with gun boats.

Gabkwet highlighted another significant strike on June 22, where aircrew identified 5 J5 buses, possibly reconfigured into mini tankers at the banks of Imo River, attempting to siphon illegally refined products. Responding swiftly, the crew demolished the illegal refining sites that supplied the buses.

“The change in tactics by these economic saboteurs was unexpected, but our crew responded effectively,” Gabkwet noted. “The J5 buses scattered, some seeking cover under trees to evade detection.”

He attributed the success of these operations to enhanced intelligence, improved air-to-ground coordination, and the increased agility and resilience of NAF.

“We will sustain these operations until the activities of these saboteurs are drastically reduced,” Gabkwet affirmed.

Separately, the Nigerian Army’s Operation Udoka in the Southeast recovered 14 boats and numerous drums of crude oil from oil bunkerers at Isimini Waterside, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.

Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, GOC of the 82 Division Nigerian Army Enugu, led the operation near an oil flow station in Ukwa West LGA, revealing that troops, acting on intelligence, laid siege to the bunkerers for five days before making the arrests.

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Dada disclosed that six suspects were apprehended and handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution.

Accompanied by Brig.-Gen. Olusola Diya, Brigade Commander of 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Gen. Dada explained, “Based on actionable intelligence, we maintained surveillance until the bunkerers arrived yesterday to extract crude oil from the pipeline. We seized 14 boats, some containing crude oil.”

He added, “They sank some of the boats, resulting in oil spillage in the water. We will destroy the boats following standard operational procedures.”

Dada emphasized the army’s commitment to rooting out economic sabotage, describing the perpetrators as part of a cartel engaged in illicit activities detrimental to the nation’s economy.

“The Nigerian Army will not tolerate any form of sabotage,” he concluded. “We are determined to apprehend those responsible, including the ringleader who is currently evading capture.”

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