The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its crackdown on oil theft and environmental sabotage, destroying over 100 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta within the past five months.
As part of a broader strategy, Operation DELTA SAFE targets criminal networks, safeguards vital oil infrastructure, and strengthens Nigeria’s revenue-driven energy sector.
NAF Logs 270 Flight Hours in Anti-Theft Missions
In a statement issued by Air Vice Marshal Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information.
Between January and May 2025, the NAF’s 115 Special Operations Group actively carried out over 173 missions and 265 sorties, logging around 270 flight hours.
Although, these air operations, carried out in both joint and independent formations, spanned oil-producing states including Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.
Airstrikes Hit Logistics and Infrastructure
However, during the missions, the NAF destroyed:
- Over 100 illegal refining sites
- 53 boats used in crude transportation
- 74 cooking tanks
- 2 crude oil reservoirs
- Multiple vehicles linked to oil theft operations
Furthermore, targeted areas included critical black-market corridors such as Buguma, Imo River, Port Harcourt, Okrika, Egbema/Ohaji, and locations along the Trans Niger Pipeline Right of Way.
“These precision strikes have severely disrupted the operational capabilities of oil theft syndicates in the region,” the statement read.
Campaign Aligns With National Energy, Security Priorities
The NAF noted that its efforts align with national security goals, which aim to:
- Halt environmental degradation caused by crude theft
- Reduce economic losses from illegal refining
- Protect critical oil and gas infrastructure vital to Nigeria’s fiscal stability
Furthermore, the Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to civil-military cooperation.
The NAF asko pledged to support long-term regional development in the Niger Delta while sustaining kinetic pressure on criminal networks.
NAF Vows to Safeguard Nigeria’s Oil Assets
“The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in its mission to uphold national stability and drive economic recovery,” the statement concluded.
“Securing Nigeria’s oil-producing zones is essential to restoring law and order and protecting our most valuable resources.”
Morever, this latest offensive highlights the Nigerian government’s renewed resolve to combat oil theft, protect national assets, and restore trust in law enforcement across the energy corridor.
Analysts believe sustained air and ground collaboration will be crucial in dismantling illegal operations and reclaiming lost revenue.