No fewer than 13 illegal refining sites and seven Cotonou boats in Rivers, Bayelsa and Imo States were destroyed by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, this is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday in Abuja.
Mr Gabkwet said the air interdictions conducted between June 18 and June 22, also dispersed five J-5 buses attempting to siphon suspected crude oil products from surface tanks.
He said that some of the illegal sites were discovered near Imo River on June 18 with seven overhead tanks, which were later destroyed while several suspected bunkerers fled.
“Amazed at this change of tactics by these economic saboteurs, the crew did not hesitate to immediately destroy the illegal refining sites feeding the buses.
“The J5 buses were later seen dispersed with some taking cover under trees to avoid detection.
“Air strikes against economic saboteurs and oil thieves have continued to record the expected outcomes.
“This is majorly due to improved intelligence, enhanced air to ground coordination, and most importantly, due to NAF’s improved agility and resilience.
“These operations will be sustained until activities of these saboteurs are reduced to the barest minimum,” he said.
