By Joy Odor, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dealt another devastating blow to oil thieves in the Niger Delta, destroying multiple illegal crude oil refining clusters hidden deep within the creeks of Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The precision airstrikes, according to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force in a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Friday, carried out on October 7, 2025, followed credible intelligence and detailed aerial surveillance that exposed the illegal refining hubs concealed within a densely forested area near Owaza.
In a coordinated strike, NAF fighter jets unleashed targeted bombardments that obliterated the makeshift refineries, bringing ongoing illegal operations to an abrupt halt.
The mission was part of the Force’s ongoing counter–oil theft campaign aimed at crushing economic sabotage and halting the massive environmental destruction plaguing the Niger Delta.
“This was a deliberate, intelligence-driven mission designed to choke criminal networks draining the nation’s economy,” a senior defence source confirmed.
However, following the operation, the NAF said it became aware of a claim by a local group alleging that the airstrikes hit a gin distillery in Umuebele, though no casualties were reported.
In swift response, the Service announced that it has activated its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP) to investigate the allegation and verify the situation on the ground.
“The Nigerian Air Force operates with the highest regard for human life and international best practices,” said Ejodame, “Our operations remain intelligence-led, precise, and transparent.”
He reaffirmed that the NAF remains unwavering in its mission to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and support national efforts to end oil theft, environmental degradation, and organized crime in the Niger Delta.
“We will continue to strike criminal strongholds wherever they exist, while protecting innocent civilians and ensuring accountability in every operation,” Ejodame declared.
