NAF destroys reactivated illegal refining sites, berges in Rivers

By Tayo ABIOLA

Several illegal refining sites and barges used for illegal oil bunkering activities in Rivers State have been destroyed.

Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, disclosed that the strikes by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safeare were in continuation of offensive against illegal oil refining sites and barges ladened with stolen crude oil products in the Niger Delta Region.

Gabkwet said, “The sites and barges destroyed were “discovered between 25 and 26 March 2024 at Bille, Dariama, Elem Bekinkiri, Temakiri, Opumakiri, and Degema in Rivers State.

“At Bille, a barge filled with illegal refined products was observed meandering through the creeks and subsequently struck.

“At Dariama and Tumakiri, active illegal refining sites with reservoirs and cooking pots were identified to be active and subsequently engaged and destroyed.

“Illegal oil refining sites at Elem Bekinkiri and Opumakiri were, however, observed to consist of abandoned IRS.

“At Degema, several active illegal refining sites with reservoirs filled with illegally refined products were observed and engaged accordingly, setting them ablaze.

“It is pertinent to note that some of the illegal refining sites at Bille and Dariama have been destroyed in the past but have been reactivated.

“Accordingly, the NAF and other security agencies will continue to intensify efforts at discovering and disrupting the activities of the oil thieves operating in the region and beyond.”