In the Cawthorne Channel and Alakri in Rivers State, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft derelict six illegal refining facilities and five Cotonou boats.
In the Niger Delta, commercial activities are targeted by the military to stop oil theft, and this included the operations.
Tuesday, November 14 was the announcement day, according to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the NAF spokesperson.
As per Gabkwet’s statement, the airstrikes transpired on Sunday, Movement 12, in response to intelligence verifying the existence of three operational Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) and two Cotonou vessels engaged in the illicit extraction of crude oil from pipelines located at Cawthorne Channel and Alakri.
“On the same day, three Cotonou boats that were spotted transporting suspected illicit refined products were also targeted with similar strikes at Krakama in Rivers State,” he claimed. Friday, November 13, 2023
Following an intelligence report of illicit refining activities close by, NAF aircraft also targeted a few locations in Rivers State’s Dariama village. Upon reaching their destination, the authorities observed, intercepted, and demolished three IRS that had tanks, pipelines, and pumping machines in addition to Cotonou Boats carrying illegally refined goods.
The NAF spokesperson described the increased air operations as preventative steps to protect the country’s economic interests and discourage criminal forces that steal oil.
The NAF is dedicated to protecting essential government infrastructure and resources in the Niger Delta Region and beyond, working with sister Services and other security agencies, according to Gabkwet.
