The recent deployment of the Nigerian Air Force in its fight against economic sabotage and oil thieves has sparked waves of impactful action. Air operations carried out from June 18 to 22 resulted in significant interdictions affecting various sensitive areas. These interventions dismantled five J-5 buses which were attempting to suck up suspected petroleum products from surface installations.
The details reveal a striking scenario: illegal sites discovered near the Imo River on June 18, with seven overhead tanks, were quickly destroyed, forcing many suspected smugglers to flee. Airstrikes continued in Willcourt, with the disruption of an illegal site and a canoe filled with illegally refined products, as well as several boats.
Another operation targeted illicit refining sites located approximately 6 km from Tunu, Bayelsa State. But the most significant strike came on June 22, when the crew spotted five J-5 buses potentially reconfigured as mini-tankers on the banks of the Imo River, attempting to siphon off illegally refined products.
Faced with this change in tactics by the economic saboteurs, the crew did not hesitate to immediately destroy the illegal refining sites supplying the buses. The J5s were seen scattered, some seeking shelter under trees to escape detection.
These airstrikes are the result of improved intelligence, increased air-ground coordination and above all, the increased agility and resilience of the Nigerian Air Force. The operations against economic saboteurs and oil thieves have therefore borne fruit, and are a testimony to the NAF’s continued commitment to protecting the country’s resources and preventing criminal activities detrimental to the economy.