In a bold move to tackle the scourge of illegal oil refining, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched a series of air strikes on two illegal refining sites along the Imo Riverbank. The operation, carried out by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe, marks a significant escalation in the military’s efforts to curb the activities of criminal elements in the region.
The illegal sites, located near Obiaku and straddling the borders of Imo, Abia, and Rivers States, were identified as active refining operations. Following authorization, the NAF deployed its air assets to destroy the sites, including surface tanks and reservoirs.
The success of the operation is a testament to the NAF’s commitment to maintaining aerial dominance and collaborating with surface forces to ensure the safety and security of Nigeria and its citizens. The establishment of a NAF Base in Abia State, announced jointly by Governor Alex Otti and Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, is expected to further enhance the military’s capabilities in the region.
The crackdown on illegal oil refining is a key component of the government’s efforts to tackle the economic and environmental challenges posed by the illegal oil trade. The NAF’s air strikes on the Imo Riverbank sites send a clear message to criminal elements: the Nigerian military will no longer tolerate illegal activities that threaten the nation’s security and prosperity.
As the NAF intensifies its air operations under Operation Delta Safe, the people of Nigeria can be assured that their military is working tirelessly to protect their interests and ensure a safer, more secure future for all.
