The Nigerian Air Force has dealt a significant blow to oil thieves in Rivers State, destroying two illegal crude oil refining sites along the Imo River.

This operation, conducted on September 13, 2024, was part of the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe’s intensified efforts to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
According to Deputy Director, NAF Public Relations and Information, Group Capt Kabiru Ali, “the missions targeted specific sites along the Imo River, including the areas of Owaza, Uzaku, Obuzor, Osuaku, and Obiaku.” The operation was carried out in two separate missions.

In the first mission, NAF aircraft provided Close Air Support to ground troops near the Imo River. However, due to a discrepancy in coordinates, the aircrew conducted Armed Reconnaissance in Owaza and Uzaku, identifying an active illegal refining site at Uzaku. This site was immediately engaged, resulting in the destruction of four IRS tanks and two canoes.

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The second mission, initially intended to support troops northwest of Umuahia, was diverted due to adverse weather conditions. The crew conducted further Armed Reconnaissance around the Obuzor section of the Imo River, destroying 12 IRS tanks, several jerrycans, and other equipment used by the criminals around Owaza, Obuzor, Osuaku, and Obiaku.

Group Capt Kabiru Ali emphasized that “the NAF will continue to conduct air operations against the activities of oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta and in support of ground forces across the region.” He also stressed the importance of law-abiding citizens supporting security agencies to deter economic sabotage ¹.