Nigeria TV Info — Nigerian Air Force Destroys Illegal Oil Refining Sites in Rivers, Probes Claims of Damage to Local Distillery

Port Harcourt, Rivers State — The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the successful uncovering and destruction of several illegal crude oil refining sites hidden deep within the creeks of Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State.

The operation, described as precise and intelligence-driven, was conducted by the Air Component under ongoing counter–oil theft missions aimed at curbing economic sabotage and environmental degradation across the Niger Delta region.

According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the air strikes were part of sustained efforts to dismantle illegal refining activities that have long plagued the nation’s oil-producing areas.

Ejodame stated that during the mission, NAF aircraft identified clusters of active refining sites concealed within a densely forested area near Owaza.

> “The location, completely isolated and without visible human activity, was confirmed through credible intelligence and aerial surveillance. The aircrew engaged the targets with precision, neutralising the sites and halting ongoing illegal operations,” the statement read.

However, NAF disclosed that it had been alerted to reports alleging that the air strikes might have affected a local gin distillery in Umuebele community. While no casualties were reported, the Service noted that it had begun investigating the claims in line with its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP).

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that troops of Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, foiled various oil theft attempts valued at over ₦224 million within a week.

The latest operation underscores Nigeria’s renewed commitment to tackling illegal oil refining, which has contributed to massive revenue losses and environmental pollution in the Niger Delta.