NAF Airstrikes Destroy Illegal Oil Refining Sites in Imo
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced that the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe successfully destroyed two illegal refining sites along the banks of the Imo River.
Edward Gabkwet, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, stated on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Abuja that the operation was carried out on Saturday.
Gabkwet reported that the strike occurred shortly after Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had discussions with Governor Alex Otti of Abia regarding plans to establish a NAF Base in the state.
He explained that the illegal sites were located near Obiaku, close to the Imo-Abia-Rivers borders.
The sites consisted of two tanks and a reservoir at one location and three tanks and two reservoirs at another location along the Imo Riverbank.
“Observing that these sites were active, authorization was sought and received for air strikes on the targets. Subsequently, air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe were conducted, destroying the two sites as well as the surface tanks and reservoirs,” he said.
“Building on these successes, air operations under Operation Delta Safe will be intensified, especially within areas of interest, as part of efforts to curtail the activities of criminal elements.”
Gabkwet noted that the success in destroying these illegal refining sites highlighted the need for a NAF Base in Abia, which both Governor Otti and Air Marshal Abubakar agreed was long overdue.
He emphasized that NAF’s ongoing operations underscore its commitment to maintaining aerial dominance over Nigerian skies while collaborating with surface forces to ensure the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.