SAN FRANCISCO, October 03, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, on Monday said it had destroyed illegal refineries and barges in the Niger Delta.
A statement by NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Capt. Ayodele Famuyiwa, said the refineries and barges were sighted by NAF Diamond 42 aircraft.
It said, “In its concerted efforts to stop illegal bunkering and criminal activities in the Niger Delta region, NAF today destroyed illegal oil refineries and barges filled with petroleum products.
“The refineries and barges were sighted by NAF Diamond 42 aircraft on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission in Bille Community of Rivers.
“Thereafter, an Mi-24V helicopter gunship was called-in for attack.”
He described the operation as very successful and added that a similar operation was carried out with remarkable success earlier in the same location.
It said, “These are clear signals to criminals operating in the South-South region as well as other parts of the country that it is no longer business as usual.”
The destruction of illegal refining facilities by security agencies and their re-installation by oil thieves have become a regular occurrence in the Niger Delta.
NAN
