In the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria, oil thieves and their accomplices are facing tough times as the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) intensifies its efforts to disrupt their activities. On August 5, 2023, a significant operation took place about 4 Nautical Miles South-East of Bille, a riverine area located west of Bonny Island and South of Port Harcourt, in Rivers State.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, reported that the operation was prompted by the sighting of three boats tapping crude oil from a pipeline. These boats were swiftly engaged and destroyed by the aircraft. During their flight towards Port Harcourt, the crew identified another active illegal refining site, situated about 4 miles South-east of Idama in Rivers State. The site, which contained tanks and reservoirs loaded with suspected illegal refined products, was subsequently targeted and destroyed.
Air Commodore Gabkwet emphasized that these air strikes against the economic saboteurs will continue until they cease their acts of thievery and economic sabotage. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has issued directives to all air component commanders across the country to collaborate with other security agencies in maintaining sustained air strikes against all criminal elements.
Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized a firm stance, declaring an end to the days of treating criminal elements with leniency in the country. The commitment is to pursue these criminals relentlessly until they are brought to justice and put an end to their unlawful activities.
