TheCable

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has destroyed 30 illegal refining sites at Degema LGA in Rivers state in the last two months.

The NAF said the exercise was conducted by the air component of the operation Delta safe.

Edward Gabkwet, NAF spokesperson, in a statement on Sunday, said the airstrikes were conducted as part of efforts to deny oil thieves the opportunity to burst pipelines and operate illegal refineries.

Gabkwet added that air strikes conducted on Cawthorne channel and Bille in Degema LGA on Friday led to the destruction of four illegal refining sites.

He said similar air strikes in Billie conducted on Saturday and Sunday led to the dismantling of three other illegal sites.

“In the last 2 months, Cawthorne Channel and Bille have accounted for the majority of oil theft and illegal oil refining activities in Rivers state,” the statement reads.

“Within this period, over 30 illegal oil refining sites in these two locations have been destroyed by the land, maritime and air components of Operation Delta Safe.

“These efforts will be sustained in these locations and others until oil thieves and their accomplices desist from their illegal activities.”

Over the past few months, the issue of crude oil theft has been making the headlines.

In September, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, said Nigeria lost about $46 billion (N16.25 trillion) to crude oil theft in 11 years.