As the battle against crude oil theft continues,
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has bombarded several illegal oil refining sites.
The military also targeted other activities of economic saboteurs in oil rich Rivers State.
The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Gabkwet said the air strikes had significantly diminished the capabilities of oil thieves to continue in their nefarious efforts at bursting and siphoning crude oil.
He said that an active illegal refining site was observed and engaged at Idama community in the state, after armed reconnaissance undertaken over Yellow Island and Cawthorne Channel revealed four boats loaded with illegally refined products heading southwards.
According to him, the boats were subsequently engaged and destroyed.
“Similar reconnaissance missions were conducted over Ogbomkiri, Arugbana, Ivy Island and Samkiri. While over Ogbomkiri, an active illegal refining site was identified and engaged accordingly.
“At Arugbana, oil thieves were seen trying to set up an illegal refining site and, on sighting the approaching aircraft, scampered for safety.
“Several illegal sites were also observed at SAMKIRI and were engaged and destroyed.
“In all, about seven illegal refining sites and four boats were discovered and destroyed within the two day operation,” he said.
