NAF air strikes destroy illegal refineries, oil-laden boats in Rivers

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has destroyed some illegal crude oil refining sites and boats in Rivers.

In a statement, Edward Gabkwet, NAF spokesperson, said the attacks were carried out on Sunday on the sites located at Cawthorne Channels, Bille and Gogokori in Degema LGA of Rivers.

He said a Cotonou boat observed to be loaded with illegally refined products and heading into open waters was also engaged and destroyed at Gogokori.

He said similar strikes were also carried out on two locations in Idama of Akuku‐Toru LGA and Omoma in Degema LGA of the state. 

Gabkwet said it appeared illegal oil refining was being done at the sites with reservoirs suspected to contain refined products.

The spokesperson said, in August 25, militants and pirates camps with the names, Big Joe’s camp, Sunny’s camp, Davids’ camp in Bakassi LGA and Amos camps in Calabar south LGA of Cross River were also destroyed.

He added that the air strikes were authorised after confirming the locations to be littered with these criminals and their activities.

“Those that attempted to escape through their various escape routes were also attacked,” he said.

“In one of the suspected kidnappers’ camps, a lone structure suspected to be harbouring some kidnapped victims with armed men roaming around the structure was also attacked using guns on board the aircraft.”

In the north-east region, Gabkwet said terrorists’ hideout in Mandara mountains was destroyed, adding that several gunmen were killed in the process.