NAF Strikes Again: 2 Illegal Refining Sites Destroyed in Imo

NAF Destroys Two Illegal Imo Refining Facilities

NAF destroys illegal refining sites in Imo, Steps up air operations to curb criminal activities

Operation Delta Safe's Air Component has destroyed two Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) near the Imo River's banks.

On June 7, 2024, the attacks were carried out a few hours after Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Chief of Staff Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar discussed the establishment of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Abia State.

The illegal sites were near Obiaku and close to the Imo/Abia/Rivers States borders, according to a statement from Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the NAF's Director of Public Relations and Information. They consisted of two tanks and a reservoir in one location and three tanks and two reservoirs in another along the Imo River bank.

ISR indicated that these stations were operational, according to AVM Gabkwet, thus “authorization was sought and received for air strikes on the targets.”

“Subsequently, air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe were conducted, which destroyed the 2 sites as well as the surface tanks and reservoirs,” he said.

According to the NAF spokesman, measures to stop criminal elements' activities will involve stepping up air operations, particularly in the areas of interest.

“The successes recorded in destroying these IRS brings to fore the necessity of a NAF Base in Abia State, which Governor Otti and Air Marshal Abubakar both agreed was long overdue,” he added.