The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reported that its personnel discovered and destroyed four illegal crude oil refining sites in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. The operation, conducted on March 1, 2024, targeted locations at Krakama and Temakiri, both located approximately 50 km southwest of Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.
The Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, stated that the illegal sites and associated boats were successfully destroyed. The armed reconnaissance operation also covered Abisse and Omoma, where only abandoned illegal refining sites were observed.
In a related development, former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, expressed concern about the state of Nigeria’s economy. Tompolo, engaged by the Federal Government to protect oil pipelines in the Niger Delta through his company Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, emphasized the need to guard against economic sabotage. He pledged to work towards increasing daily crude oil production by addressing oil theft, stating that economic saboteurs must be stopped.
Tompolo was conferred with the “Internal Security Meritorious Award” by the Nigeria Union of Journalists at Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State. He acknowledged the media’s role in promoting peace and democracy in Nigeria and urged appreciation for their contributions.
This development aligns with ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government and security forces to combat illegal crude oil refining, oil theft, and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region, addressing environmental and economic challenges associated with these activities.
