NAF destroys two ‘illegal refining sites’ along Abia-Rivers-Imo border

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its officers under Operation Delta Safe have successfully destroyed two “illegal” refining sites (IRS) situated along the banks of the Imo River.

In a statement on Sunday, Edward Gabkwet, NAF spokesperson, said the illegal sites were located near Obiaku and close to a shared border between Abia, River, and Imo states.

He added that the operation was carried out on Saturday. The sites consist of two tanks and a reservoir in one location, and three tanks and two reservoirs in another along the Imo River bank.

“Observing that these sites were active, authorisation was sought and received for air strikes on the targets,” the statement reads.

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

Gabkwet said the strike was conducted hours after Hasan Abubakar, chief of air staff, discussed plans to set up a NAF base in Abia with Alex Otti, the state governor.

“Building on these successes, air operations under Operation Delta Safe will be intensified, especially within the areas of interest, as part of efforts to curtail the activities of criminal elements,” the statement reads.

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

In March, the NAF also destroyed several illegal oil refining sites and barges laden with stolen crude oil products across Rivers state.