By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out a successful air operation that disrupted several clusters of illegal crude oil refining sites hidden deep within the creeks of Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State. The operation, conducted on October 7, 2025, was part of the Force’s ongoing counter–oil theft missions aimed at curbing economic sabotage and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region.
In an official statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF confirmed that the strikes were executed with precision and based on credible intelligence. The operation was described as a continuation of sustained efforts to cripple the activities of oil thieves and restore environmental safety in affected communities.
According to Air Commodore Ejodame, NAF surveillance aircraft identified active illegal refining clusters concealed in a densely forested area near Owaza. The location, he explained, was completely isolated with no visible human presence at the time of the operation. “The aircrew engaged the targets with precision strikes, effectively neutralising the illegal sites and halting ongoing crude refining operations,” he stated.
Following the operation, the NAF said it became aware of a claim by a local group alleging that the airstrikes may have affected a gin distillery in Umuebele, although no casualties were reported. In response, the NAF noted that it has activated its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP) to verify the claims.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to international best practices in all its operations,” the statement added. “We continue to prioritise the safety of civilians and will take all necessary measures to address any concerns that may arise from our operational activities.”
Reaffirming its resolve to protect national assets and ensure environmental safety in the Niger Delta, the NAF stated that it will sustain its intelligence-driven and precision-based operations against oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other acts of economic sabotage.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains steadfast in the discharge of its constitutional mandate of defending the nation’s territorial integrity and supporting other security agencies in combating criminal activities,” Air Commodore Ejodame concluded, assuring that all future missions will continue to be conducted with utmost regard for civilian safety and environmental protection.
