The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has destroyed two illegal refining sites along River Imo in Rivers State in precision airstrikes conducted against oil thieves.
A statement by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Kabiru Ali said the airstrikes were conducted by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe on 13 September 2024 in two separate missions.
He said the missions targeted specific sites along the Imo River, including the areas of Owaza, Uzaku, Obuzor, Osuaku, and Obiaku.
He said the aircraft in first mission were assigned to provide Close Air Support to ground troops near the Imo River.
He said due to a discrepancy between the initial coordinates and the troops’ updated location, the aircrew proceeded to conduct Armed Reconnaissance (AR) in the areas of Owaza and Uzaku.
He added that the aircraft during the operation identified an active illegal refining site at Uzaku.
“The site was immediately engaged, resulting in the destruction of four IRS tanks and two canoes,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a second mission, he said the aircraft originally intended to support troops northwest of Umuahia, but adverse weather conditions forced the crew to divert and conduct further AR around the Obuzor section of the Imo River.
“During this mission, 12 IRS tanks, along with several jerrycans and other equipment used by the criminals were destroyed around Owaza, Obuzor, Osuaku, and Obiaku” he said.
Ha assured that the NAF will continue to conduct air operations against the activities of oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta and in support of ground forces across the region.
He therefore, called on law-abiding citizens to key into the efforts of security agencies to deter the activities of economic saboteurs in checkmating their activities.
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