The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has destroyed over 100 illegal oil refining sites in the Niger Delta between January and May 2025, in a renewed effort to curb oil theft and protect critical national infrastructure.
This was made known in a statement issued on Sunday by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, in Abuja.
The operations, carried out by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe, also resulted in the destruction of 53 boats, 74 cooking tanks, two reservoirs, and several vehicles used in transporting stolen crude oil.
Ejodame said that NAF executed over 173 missions and 265 sorties, accumulating nearly 270 flying hours across key oil-producing areas including Buguma, Imo River, Port Harcourt, Okrika, Egbema/Ohaji, and the Trans Niger Pipeline Right of Way.
“These sustained airstrikes have significantly weakened the operations of oil thieves and pipeline vandals who have long operated in the Niger Delta,” he said.
The illegal activities not only pose serious security risks but also lead to massive economic losses and environmental degradation. The Niger Delta region, which is home to Nigeria’s oil wealth, has suffered from pollution caused by crude oil spills and the open burning of stolen petroleum products in illegal refining operations.
“The operations are aligned with national efforts to end militancy, prevent environmental destruction, and protect vital oil and gas infrastructure that serves as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy,” the NAF spokesperson added.
Ejodame explained that the air raids are part of a broader strategy that includes joint military actions and intelligence-led operations designed to dismantle criminal networks behind oil bunkering and illegal refining.
He noted that the NAF 115 Special Operations Group (115 SOG), which oversees the air component in the region, has maintained consistent aerial patrols to monitor illegal activities and respond swiftly to threats.
“While the NAF also supports civil-military cooperation and community outreach, it remains clear that military action is necessary to deal with well-organised criminal groups that operate illegal oil refineries,” he stated.
The Nigerian government has been under increasing pressure to tackle crude oil theft, which contributes to revenue loss and hampers the country’s ability to meet its oil production targets. Nigeria is Africa’s top oil producer, but theft and sabotage have drastically reduced official output.
The latest air operations by the NAF demonstrate a shift toward more aggressive tactics in confronting illegal refining and protecting national assets.
Ejodame assured that the Nigerian Air Force will continue its efforts until the region is rid of oil thieves and environmental saboteurs, adding, “NAF remains fully committed to national security and economic stability.”
