The Air Component of Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) destroyed no fewer than 131 illegal refining sites and neutralised several crude oil theft facilities across the Niger Delta in 2025.
This had significantly helped in degrading the operations of oil thieves and economic saboteurs.
This was disclosed on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, during a briefing on the activities of the Air Component of OPDS and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 115 Special Operations Group, on Thursday in Port Harcourt.
The brief was presented by Ft.-Lt. Aro, during the Media Tour of Defence Correspondents led by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja.
It was revealed that the air unit conducted 495 missions in 779 sorties, logging over 784 flight hours in support of joint operations.
The briefing said that sustained air operations had reshaped the theatre of operations, denied criminals freedom of action and enabled ground and maritime forces to exploit operational gains, contributing to improved crude oil production and national revenue.
According to the Air Component, air assets deployed during the period included T-129 ATAK attack helicopters, EC-135 helicopters, Diamond-62 aircraft and Wing Loong II Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), which played critical roles in intelligence gathering, interdiction and combat support.
It was stated that extensive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions led to the detection of illegal refining camps, pipeline vandalism points and storage facilities hidden deep within creeks and communities.
“Footages obtained were analysed and fused with intelligence from other security agencies to generate actionable targets.
“Upon confirmation, the Air Component carried out air interdiction missions that resulted in the destruction of illegal installations, boats, reservoirs and storage tanks containing stolen petroleum products,” the briefing said.
In addition to the 131 illegal refining sites destroyed, the Air Component also neutralised 36 wooden boats, destroyed 23 reservoirs and dugout pits, as well as 125 storage tanks used for storing illegally refined products.
The operations, it added, created significant psychological pressure on criminal networks, forcing many operators to abandon their camps and deterring the re-establishment of destroyed sites.
Speaking during the engagement, the Commander, 115 Special Operations Group, Port Harcourt, Group Capt. Abdulafeez Opaleye, said oil theft in the Niger Delta had become increasingly sophisticated.
Opaleye said that criminals now siphone crude oil through hoses running several kilometres from pipelines to concealed locations.
He stressed that while kinetic operations remained critical, community engagement was key to sustaining gains, urging host communities to see the Armed Forces as partners in progress.
“Our mission is to protect national assets and create conditions for economic growth. When oil production improves, the entire nation benefits,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, commended the Air Component for its operational successes and resilience, describing the media as a critical partner in national security.
Onoja emphasised the need for strong civil-military relations and effective strategic communication, noting that accurate reporting of military operations would enhance public confidence and national cohesion.
He reiterated that security remained a collective responsibility, calling on all Nigerians to support ongoing efforts to secure the Niger Delta and protect critical oil and gas infrastructure.
The Air Component assured that joint air, land and maritime operations under Operation DELTA SAFE would be sustained to further curb militancy, sea robbery, crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the region.
By Sumaila Ogbaje