Airstrikes by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft destroyed 13 illicit refining installations and seven Cotonou boats in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Imo states.
The aircraft also damaged five J-5 buses that were attempting to syphon stolen crude oil from surface tanks.
Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, NAF spokesperson, disclosed the airstrikes in a statement on Sunday, June 23, saying they took place between June 18 and June 22.
He said: “Some of the illegal sites were discovered near Imo River on 18 June 2024 with 7 overhead tanks, which were subsequently destroyed while several suspected bunkerers were seen fleeing. Air strikes were also extended to Wilcourt in Rivers State on 19 June 2024 after an illegal site and canoe filled with illegally refined products, as well as some gun boats, were seen.
“Similarly, following Intelligence of some illegal refining sites located about 6km from Tunu in Bayelsa State, the aircrew proceeded to the location to identify and destroy the site, a task carried out with the utmost precision.
“Another significant strike undertaken by the air component was carried out on 22 June 2024, when the crew spotted 5 x J5 buses, probably reconfigured into mini tankers, at the bank of Imo River attempting to siphon illegally refined products. 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.”
The NAF’s spokesperson said airstrikes against “economic saboteurs and oil thieves have continued to record the expected outcomes majorly due to improved intelligence, enhanced air to ground coordination, and most importantly, due to NAF’s improved agility and resilience.”
He said the operations would be sustained “until the activities of these saboteurs are reduced to the barest minimum.”