In a renewed effort to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe conducted reconnaissance missions along the Kolo Creek trunkline and Soku-Sambarth lines in Rivers State on July 18, 2024.
According to Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said at the start point of the Kolo Creek trunkline, the crew scanned the pipeline’s Right of Way with no breaches observed. Midway along the line, a leak was identified with individuals suspected to be oil company staff attempting to fix it. No illegal activities were detected towards the end of the line.
The aircraft then patrolled the Soku-Sambarth line, identifying the Soku Gas station and scanning the surrounding area without observing any illegal activities. On their return journey, the crew sighted and destroyed six canoes loaded with suspected stolen oil products.
Flying over Obenibokiri, approximately 15 km from Port Harcourt, the crew spotted eight active illegal refining sites with overhead tanks and one site with over 300 sacks containing suspected stolen oil products. All sites were effectively destroyed.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will continue air operations against oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta, supporting ground forces. Law-abiding citizens are urged to support security agencies in their efforts to deter these economic saboteurs.
