Nigerian reinforcements ECOMOG peacekeeping troops arrive on May 28, 1997 at Lungi International Airport in Freetown with a Nigerian airfoce Hercules cargo shuttling troops, ammunition and supplies following the military coup in Sierra Leone. (Photo credit should read ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images)
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Friday announced that its precise and intelligence-driven operation uncovered and successfully disrupted and destroyed clusters of illegal crude oil refining sites deep within the creeks of Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The Service also stated that it is already investigating trending allegations that the air strikes affected a local gin distillery in Umuebele.
In a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, it was stated that the operation, conducted by the Air Component under ongoing counter-oil theft missions, forms part of sustained efforts to curb economic sabotage and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) reported that troops of Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe foiled oil thefts worth over N224 million in one week.
The NAF stated that during the mission, its aircraft identified active illegal refining sites concealed within a densely forested area near Owaza.
“The location, completely isolated and without visible human activity, was confirmed through credible intelligence and aerial surveillance. The aircrew engaged the targets with precision, neutralising the sites and halting ongoing illegal operations.
“Following the operation, the attention of the NAF was drawn to a statement by a group alleging that the air strikes affected a local gin distillery in Umuebele, though no casualties were reported. In line with its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP), the NAF has initiated necessary steps to verify this situation,” the statement read.
Ejodame noted that the Service reaffirmed its adherence to international best practices and remains firmly committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians, while ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to carrying out its constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting other security agencies in curbing criminal activities, while ensuring that operations are intelligence-driven, precise, and conducted with the utmost regard for civilian safety,” he added.
Also, the military reported that troops of Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe foiled oil thefts worth over N224 million.
In a statement, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, stated that the breakdown includes 22,450 litres of stolen crude oil, 5,500 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 150,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
“Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 21 crude oil cooking ovens, nine dugout pits, seven boats, 11 storage tanks, and six illegal refining sites. Furthermore, eight oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered,” the statement added.
Linus Aleke
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