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Nigerian Air Force airstrikes have brought the hammer down on illegal oil refining activities in Abia and Rivers states, destroying 12 clandestine sites and two fuel reservoirs, as part of a concerted effort to stamp out the illicit trade, NAF spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet announced yesterday.
The Air Force spokesperson revealed that the weekend saw a flurry of airstrikes, strategically targeting and neutralizing key sites in a bold move to assert military presence.
According to AVM Gabkwet, reconnaissance flights by the Air Force uncovered a startling discovery – multiple illegal refining sites cleverly concealed within walled homes in Umueze, Abia State, revealing a complex scheme.
AVM Gabkwet explained that the critical intel gathered from the aerial reconnaissance was swiftly transmitted to ground forces, enabling them to launch a targeted response and capitalize on the situational awareness.
The statement reads: “Heading towards Owaza, three illegal refining sites were observed hidden under thick vegetation, which were subsequently destroyed.
Read also: NAF Strikes, Destroys Illegal Oil Facilities Near Borders
“Thereafter, the crew followed the river line down to Komkom and Okoloma in Rivers State, where nine illegal refining sites and two reservoirs were discovered and destroyed. In total, 12 illegal refining sites and two reservoirs were destroyed.”
AVM Gabkwet said the sighting of illegal refining sites in fenced living environments by oil thieves was “indicative of the sophistry of the illegal oil refining trade that would require other means beyond air strikes to checkmate.”
He added: “Those engaged in these acts, especially in fenced living environments, are again reminded of their danger to human lives and health as well as the environment.
“However, armed reconnaissance missions as well as destruction of illegal refining sites will continue unabated until crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage are reduced to the barest minimum.”
AVM Gabkwet declared the military’s steadfast dedication to aerial intelligence gathering and precision strikes against clandestine refining sites, aimed at decisively crippling the syndicates driving Nigeria’s crippling crude oil theft and economic malfeasance.
