NAF Destroys Two Illegal Refining Sites In Imo

An airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has destroyed two illegal Refining Sites (IRS) situated along the banks of the Imo River.

The air raid occurred a few hours after the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar announced plans to extend its reach in the employment of air power in response to national security imperatives in Abia State and the Southeast Region.

The illegal sites, located near Obiaku and close to the Imo/Abia/Rivers States borders, had two tanks and a reservoir in one location.

The sites also had three tanks and two reservoirs in another location along the Imo Riverbank.

The air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe were conducted, destroying the two sites as well as the surface tanks and reservoirs.

“Observing that these sites were active, authorization was sought and received for air strikes on the targets.

“Building on these successes, air operations under Operation Delta Safe will be intensified especially within the areas of interest in efforts at curtailing the activities of criminal elements,” the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Edward Gabkwet said on Sunday.

The statement noted that the successes recorded in destroying these IRS bring to the fore the necessity of an NAF Base in Abia State, which Governor Otti and Air Marshal Abubakar both agreed was long overdue.

“The NAF’s continued efforts in all ongoing operations, yet again, underscore its commitment to maintaining aerial dominance over the Nigerian skies, while collaborating with surface forces towards the safety and security of Nigeria and its citizenry,” NAF said.