There was panic in Port Harcourt and neighbouring riverine communities on Monday as air force helicopters shelled illegal crude oil bunkering sites in creeks around Port Harcourt and Eleme.
The helicopters fired at vessels and camps used to store and process illegally procured crude oil that are refined crudely to produce kerosene, petrol and diesel.
Initially, residents around the affected areas feared that there was armed fighting in the creeks as the shelling sent people scampering before the helicopters came into view and the thick black smoke emanating from bombed vessels rose to the sky.
A resident said, “The Air Force jets flying around Okrika and Nafcon River are actually targeting illegal oil bunkering activities.”
Another one said the operation was part of a procedure by the security agencies “to maintain national security, protecting the environment, and upholding the rule of law.”
Rivers State is currently under emergency rule, whose mandate include checking the activities of people blowing up critical national infrastructure and oil pipelines.
President Bola Tinubu had while declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State alluded to the blowing up of some pipelines in the state and gave the Sole Administrator, Ibok Ibas, a mandate to end the breaches.
The Nigerian Air Force has generally been combating oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta. Their efforts are aimed at disrupting and dismantling the illegal networks responsible for these activities.
Dagogo Achese, who lives at one of the waterside communities, “It’s essential to recognize that the Air Force’s actions are apolitical and focused on safeguarding the nation’s interests.
“The presence of Air Force jets in the area should not be misinterpreted as a politically motivated move.
“Instead, it’s a testament to the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of illegal oil bunkering and its associated environmental and economic challenges.
“The people of Okrika, Nafcon River and surrounding areas should remain calm and support the Air Force’s efforts to maintain peace and security in the State.”
