The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the air component of Operation Delta Safe has destroyed several clusters of illegal crude oil refining sites in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers.

This is contained in a statement by the director, public relations and information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Ejodame said the airstrikes, conducted on Oct. 7 under ongoing counter–oil theft missions, followed credible intelligence that revealed active refining sites hidden within a dense forest near Owaza.

According to him, the aircrew engaged the targets with precision, neutralising the illegal operations and halting the processing of stolen crude.

Mr Ejodame said the mission formed part of sustained efforts to curb economic sabotage and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region.

He, however, said the attention of the NAF has been drawn to a statement alleging that the airstrikes affected a local gin distillery in Umuebele, though no casualties were reported.

The NAF, he added, had initiated steps to verify the claim in line with its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP), reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability.

“The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to carrying out its constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting other security agencies in curbing criminal activities,” he said.

NAF spokesman assured that all operations would continue to be intelligence-driven, precise, and executed with utmost regard for civilian safety.

(NAN)