NAF Airstrikes Destroy Illegal Refining Sites In Imo—-The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced a significant victory in the fight against illegal oil refining with the successful destruction of two Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) along the Imo River.
This operation was part of the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe.
Edward Gabkwet, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, revealed in a Sunday statement from Abuja that the strikes occurred on Saturday.
The timing of this mission coincided with discussions between the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, and Governor Alex Otti of Abia regarding the establishment of a NAF Base in the state.
The targeted illegal sites were located near Obiaku, close to the borders of Imo, Abia, and Rivers states. These sites comprised two tanks and a reservoir at one location, and three tanks and two reservoirs at another, all along the Imo Riverbank.
Gabkwet detailed the operation, stating, “Upon observing that these sites were active, authorization for air strikes was sought and received. The subsequent air strikes by Operation Delta Safe effectively destroyed the sites, including the surface tanks and reservoirs.”
He further emphasized that the successes of these operations highlight the urgent need for a NAF Base in Abia, a point on which both Governor Otti and Air Marshal Abubakar concurred.
The destruction of these illegal refining sites marks a critical step in NAF’s ongoing efforts to maintain aerial dominance and collaborate with ground forces to ensure the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.
Gabkwet reiterated NAF’s commitment to intensifying air operations under Operation Delta Safe, particularly in key areas of interest, to curb criminal activities.
