By John Ameh
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has destroyed several clusters of illegal crude oil refining sites in the creeks of Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, in a targeted operation aimed at curbing oil theft and environmental degradation.
The operation, which took place on October 7, 2025, was carried out by the Air Component conducting ongoing counter–oil theft missions in the Niger Delta region.
In a statement on Friday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the strike followed credible intelligence and aerial surveillance that pinpointed active illegal refining sites hidden within a thickly forested area near Owaza.
According to him, “The aircrew engaged the targets with precision, neutralising the sites and halting ongoing illegal operations. The location was completely isolated, with no visible signs of human presence.”
Ejodame further disclosed that after the strike, the NAF’s attention was drawn to claims by a local group alleging that the airstrike affected a nearby gin distillery in Umuebele, although no casualties were reported.
“In line with its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP), the NAF has commenced verification of the claims,” he said. “The Service remains committed to upholding international best practices, protecting civilian lives, and maintaining transparency and accountability in all operations.”
He reiterated that the NAF would continue to carry out intelligence-driven and precise operations in support of national security objectives, working alongside other security agencies to eliminate criminal activities and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
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