File photo: Naval personnel at the scene of an illegal refineries

Nigerian Air Force ( NAF) has some destroyed illegal refineries and barges in the Niger Delta, its spokesman Group Capt. Ayodele Famuyiwa, said in a statement in Abuja on Monday

“In its concerted efforts to stop illegal bunkering and criminal activities in the Niger Delta region, NAF today destroyed illegal oil refineries and barges filled with petroleum products.

“The refineries and barges were sighted by NAF Diamond 42 aircraft on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission in Bille Community of Rivers.

“Thereafter, an Mi-24V helicopter gunship was called-in for attack,” Famuyiwa, who is the Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, said.

He described the operation as very successful and added that a similar operation was carried out with remarkable success earlier in the same location.

“These are clear signals to criminals operating in the South-South region as well as other parts of the country that it is no longer business as usual,” Famuyiwa said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the destruction of  illegal refining facilities by security agencies and their re-installation by oil thieves have become a regular occurrence in the Niger Delta. (NAN)