The Nigerian Air Force destroyed two illegal oil refining sites along the banks of the Imo River. This operation was part of the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe.
Director of NAF Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, announced on Sunday that the strikes took place just hours after Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, met with Governor Alex Otti to discuss establishing a new NAF base in Abia State.
Gabkwet explained that the illegal refining sites were near Obiaku, close to the borders of Imo, Abia, and Rivers states. One site had two tanks and a reservoir, while the other had three tanks and two reservoirs.
“Observing that these sites were active, authorization was sought and received for air strikes on the targets,” Gabkwet stated. “Subsequently, air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe were conducted, which destroyed the two sites as well as the surface tanks and reservoirs.”
Gabkwet emphasized that these successful strikes highlight the importance of having a NAF base in Abia State. “The successes recorded in destroying these illegal refining sites bring to fore the necessity of a NAF Base in Abia State, which Governor Otti and Air Marshal Abubakar both agreed was long overdue.”
He also noted that the NAF will intensify air operations under Operation Delta Safe to further reduce criminal activities in the area. “The NAF’s continued efforts in all ongoing operations underscore its commitment to maintaining aerial dominance over Nigerian skies, while collaborating with surface forces towards the safety and security of Nigeria and its citizenry,” Gabkwet added.
