Nigerian Air Force destroys illegal oil refineries in Rivers

In its continuous fight against oil theft and illegal oil bunkering in the country, the Nigerian Air Force on Monday, says it has destroyed some illegal oil refineries and barges filled with petroleum products in Bille community area of Rivers State.

A statement released by the Air Force signed by its Director of Public Relations Information, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, said the military action is part of its efforts to stop illegal bunkering and criminal activities in the oil rich Niger Delta region.

According to the statement, the illegal refineries and barges were sighted by NAF Diamond 42 aircraft which was on an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission in Bille Community of Rivers State.

A Mi-24V helicopter gunship was subsequently called in for aerial attacks.

It added that a similar operation was carried out on October 1 in the same area.