Nigerian Air Force Destroys Illegal Oil Refining Sites in Opu Arugbana, Rivers State
In a significant operation on December 23, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe, led by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), successfully obliterated six illegal oil refining sites in Opu Arugbana, located in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
This decisive action was confirmed in a statement released by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, on Tuesday in Abuja. The air strikes were part of an ongoing effort to eliminate the activities of oil thieves and oil pipeline vandals in the Niger Delta region.
The illegal refining sites were discovered clustered within a radius of about 80 meters at a location approximately 6 nautical miles south of Opu Arugbana. Following confirmation of their activity, authorization was granted to destroy these sites, serving as a deterrent to criminals engaged in such illegal activities.
Air Commodore Gabkwet highlighted the continuous commitment to air operations against criminals in the Niger Delta and across the country, even during the festive season. He noted that the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, commended the efforts of the Air Component Commanders in all operational theaters.
Despite the holiday season, the CAS spent Christmas day with troops in the Northeast and is currently in Katsina to celebrate with troops. He urged them not to rest until criminal activities are minimized to the barest minimum.
This operation underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering dedication to maintaining security and curbing illicit activities, ensuring a safer environment for the citizens.
