
In a decisive show of force against oil theft and environmental degradation, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has destroyed multiple clusters of illegal crude oil refining sites in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
This operation was disclosed in a statement issued Friday by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, who said the strikes were part of ongoing missions under Operation Delta Safe.
According to Gabkwet, the air raids were launched on October 7, following credible intelligence reports that pointed to active refining activities tucked deep within the forest near Owaza.
“Precision airstrikes were carried out, successfully dismantling the illicit operations and halting the processing of stolen crude oil.
“These missions are part of our continued efforts to stop economic sabotage and protect the environment in the Niger Delta,” he said.
However, the NAF acknowledged reports claiming that the airstrikes may have affected a local gin distillery in Umuebele. While no casualties were reported, Gabkwet confirmed that the Force is investigating the incident in accordance with its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP).
He emphasized the NAF’s dedication to transparency and its resolve to conduct operations guided by intelligence, precision, and a strong commitment to safeguarding civilian lives.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains unwavering in its constitutional duty to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity while working closely with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks,” he stated.
As oil theft and illegal refining continue to plague Rivers State—mirroring the trend across much of the Niger Delta—this latest operation signals a renewed push by security forces to tackle the entrenched menace head-on.