NAF airstrikes destroy boats ‘loaded with stolen crude’ in Rivers state

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it destroyed three boats sighted tapping crude oil from a pipeline at a dispensing site in Rivers state.

Edward Gabkwet, director of NAF public relations, in a statement, said the operation was carried out via airstrikes on Saturday, August 5 2023.

The air component of Operation Delta Safe executed the operation, Gabkwet said.

“The air strikes became necessary after three boats were sighted tapping crude oil from a pipeline. Consequently, the boats were engaged and destroyed by the aircraft,” he said.

“Flying towards Port Harcourt, the crew also observed an active illegal refining site with tanks and reservoirs loaded with suspected illegal refined products, about 4 miles south-east of Idama in Rivers state. The site was subsequently attacked and destroyed.

“Airstrikes against these economic saboteurs will be sustained until they desist from their acts of thievery and economic sabotage.”

NAF said Hasan Abubakar, its chief of the air staff, has since directed all air component commanders nationwide to ensure they team up with other security agencies as they sustain air strikes on all criminal elements in the country.

The security agency said the days of treating criminal elements in the country with kids’ gloves were over.

‘The airforce must continue on this trajectory until we bring all of them to their knees,” Abubakar was quoted as saying.