Air strikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have destroyed two illegal refineries at Krakama and Temakiri in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers state.
The two locations are about 50 km southwest of Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The air interdiction was part of efforts by the military and other security agencies to reduce activities of crude oil thieves and oil pipeline vandals in the Niger Delta region, according to NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshall Edward Gabkwet, in a statement on Sunday, March 3.
Giving details of the operation, Gabkwet said NAF reconnaissance observed active illegal refining sites with Cotonou boats at Krakrama and Temakiri with the “probable intent” to illegally siphon crude oil from the sites.
He said: “The two Illegal sites, as well as the boats were subsequently struck, engulfed in flames and destroyed.
“The armed reconnaissance was also extended to Abisse and Omoma, but only abandoned illegal refining sites were observed.”
