The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its aerial campaign against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta region, achieving significant successes between January and May 2025.

Operating through its 115 Special Operations Group—the Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE—the Air Force conducted over 173 missions and 265 sorties, accumulating about 270 hours of flight time.

NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that these operations supported joint military efforts and enabled independent airstrikes across key oil-producing states, including Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.

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The airstrikes led to the destruction of more than 100 illegal oil refining sites, 53 boats, 74 cooking tanks, two reservoirs, and several vehicles used by criminal syndicates involved in oil theft and environmental vandalism.

“These sustained air operations have significantly weakened the capabilities of oil thieves and vandals along critical routes such as Buguma, Imo River, Port Harcourt, Okrika, Egbema/Ohaji, and the Trans Niger Pipeline corridor,” Ejodame said. He emphasized that these efforts align with national objectives to combat militancy, protect vital oil and gas infrastructure, and curb environmental damage caused by illegal refining.

Ejodame added that the Air Force remains committed to a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to eliminate deeply entrenched criminal networks in the Niger Delta, while also fostering civil-military cooperation and community development in the area.

The Nigerian Air Force reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the country’s economic backbone by ensuring the security and productivity of Nigeria’s oil-rich heartland.

Four Injured in Lagos After Bus Crashes Into Streetlight Pole

An early morning accident in the Alausa area of Ikeja, Lagos, over the weekend left four passengers seriously injured when a fully loaded commercial bus crashed into a streetlight pole, reportedly due to drunk driving.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the bus, bearing registration number KTU 69 YJ, lost control and collided forcefully with roadside infrastructure.