Members of the Nigerian Air Force have carried out air operations that resulted in the elimination of four unauthorized oil processing locations in Rivers State.
The unauthorized oil processing locations at Krakama and Temakiri in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers were reportedly in operation, but the sites at Abisse and Omoma were deserted.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Cotonou Boats were present at the active unauthorized refining sites to load crude oil.
Gabkwet stated that the locations and boats were attacked during the operations on March 1.
The statement mentioned, "As part of efforts to significantly reduce the activities of crude oil thieves and oil pipeline vandals, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe, on 1 March 2024, demolished illegal oil processing sites at Krakama and Temakiri in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. Both sites are just 50 km Southwest of Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.
"At both Krakrama and Temakiri, active unauthorized oil processing sites were identified with Cotonou Boats spotted nearby, likely aiming to unlawfully siphon crude oil from the sites. The 2 unauthorized sites, along with the boats, were then targeted, set on fire, and destroyed. The armed reconnaissance also covered Abisse and Omoma, where only deserted unauthorized processing sites were seen."
Gabkwet pledged that the force, in collaboration with other security agencies, would continue the campaign against oil thieves until the problem is completely eradicated.
"The NAF's efforts, alongside other security agencies, to eliminate the activities of oil thieves in the Niger Delta region are ongoing and will persist until complete success is achieved," he stated.
The Air Force operations at the unauthorized refining sites in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State took place two months after a similar operation was conducted at the Opu Arugbana area of the same LGA in December 2023.
In that operation, six unauthorized oil processing sites were demolished.