RIVERS STATE, Nigeria — The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it successfully disrupted several illegal crude oil refining sites in the creeks of Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, in a precise, intelligence-driven operation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to a statement by the NAF’s Director of Public Relations, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the airstrikes were part of ongoing counter-oil theft missions aimed at curbing economic sabotage and environmental damage in the Niger Delta region.
“The operation forms part of our sustained efforts to protect the nation’s resources and prevent environmental degradation,” Ejodame said.
The NAF said the strikes targeted clusters of illegal refineries deep in the riverine areas, where crude oil theft has become a persistent issue, contributing to revenue loss and environmental hazards. The air force described the mission as carefully planned and intelligence-led, minimizing risks to nearby communities.
Following the operation, a group claimed that the airstrikes inadvertently affected a local gin distillery in Umuebele, though the NAF said no casualties were reported.
In response, the air force said it had activated its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP) to verify the situation and ensure that any unintended impacts are properly addressed.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to international best practices in all operations,” the statement read. “We prioritize the safety of civilians and property while ensuring transparency and accountability in our actions.”
Illegal crude oil refining has long been a major concern in the Niger Delta, causing environmental pollution, health hazards, and economic losses. The crude stolen and refined illegally often ends up in local markets or is transported for export, undermining government revenues.
Authorities in Rivers State have frequently warned residents against participating in illegal refining activities, citing the risks of explosions, fire hazards, and legal consequences. The NAF, in partnership with other security agencies, has intensified operations to curb these activities, using both aerial and ground intelligence.
Local residents in Etche have expressed mixed reactions to the airstrikes. While some welcomed the action as necessary to stop oil theft and protect the environment, others voiced concerns over potential damage to livelihoods and local businesses.
Experts say that tackling illegal oil refining requires a combination of security enforcement, economic alternatives, and community engagement. “Simply striking the sites is not enough,” said a Niger Delta environmental analyst who asked not to be named. “Authorities need to provide alternative livelihoods and education to prevent people from returning to illegal activities.”
The NAF reiterated that all operations are conducted with careful planning and respect for human life. “We conduct these missions to disrupt criminal networks, not to harm civilians,” Ejodame said.
Officials also highlighted that similar operations have been carried out across the Niger Delta, targeting illegal refineries and intercepting stolen crude oil. These coordinated efforts are part of a wider national strategy to safeguard Nigeria’s energy resources and protect local communities from environmental harm.
The air force said it would continue to monitor the area, engage with local authorities, and provide updates as needed. “We call on all Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies and report illegal activities,” the statement said, emphasizing that collective action is key to ending crude oil theft.
