By Kingsley Omonobi

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully executed air interdiction missions in Rivers State, destroying two illegal crude oil refining sites along the Imo River.

According to Deputy Director, NAF Public Relations and Information, Group Capt Kabiru Ali, the air strikes conducted on September 13, 2024, aimed to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.

The missions targeted specific sites in Owaza, Uzaku, Obuzor, Osuaku, and Obiaku areas. In the first mission, NAF aircraft provided Close Air Support to ground troops near the Imo River.

During an Armed Reconnaissance operation, the aircrew identified an active illegal refining site at Uzaku and engaged it, destroying four Illegal Refining Site (IRS) tanks and two canoes.

A second mission, initially intended to support troops northwest of Umuahia, was diverted due to adverse weather conditions. The crew conducted further Armed Reconnaissance around the Obuzor section of the Imo River, destroying 12 IRS tanks, jerrycans, and equipment used by criminals in Owaza, Obuzor, Osuaku, and Obiaku.

The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to conducting air operations against oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta, supporting ground forces across the region.

Group Capt Ali emphasized the importance of law-abiding citizens supporting security agencies’ efforts to deter economic saboteurs.

“The collective effort will go a long way in checkmating the activities of these criminals,” he said.