The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reported an escalation in its air operations over the last three days, resulting in the destruction of six Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) and five Cotonou Boats in Rivers state. Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the spokesperson for NAF, disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja.
Gabkwet emphasized that these air raids mark a continuation of NAF’s relentless efforts to combat oil theft and quell the activities of economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta region.
According to Gabkwet, the air component acted upon intelligence reports received on November 12, which pinpointed the presence of three active IRS and two Cotonou Boats illicitly extracting crude oil from pipelines at Cawthorne Channel and Alakri in Rivers. Subsequently, the IRS and boats were engaged and obliterated.
“Similar strikes were also executed at Krakama in Rivers on the same day, targeting three Cotonou Boats suspected of transporting illegally refined products,” Gabkwet added.
Furthermore, on November 13, NAF aircraft conducted targeted operations at Dariama Village in Rivers State following intel indicating illegal refining activities in proximity. Upon arrival, three IRS, equipped with tanks, pipes, and pumping machines, as well as Cotonou Boats loaded with suspected illegally refined products were located, engaged, and consequently destroyed,” he explained.
Gabkwet stressed that the escalated air operations should be perceived as proactive measures aimed at safeguarding the nation’s economic interests and deterring criminal elements involved in oil theft. He also underscored NAF’s unwavering commitment, in collaboration with sister services and other security agencies, to securing crucial government resources and infrastructures within the Niger Delta Region and beyond.
NAN
