The air component of Operation Delta Safe conducted two separate missions targeting specific sites along the Imo River, including the areas of Owaza, Uzaku, Obuzor, Osuaku, and Obiaku.
Group Captain Kabiru Ali, Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, said in a statement that NAF aircraft were assigned to provide close air support to ground troops near the Imo River. However, due to discrepancy between the initial coordinates and the troops’ updated location, the aircrew proceeded to conduct armed reconnaissance in the areas of Owaza and Uzaku.
During this operation, they identified an active illegal refining site at Uzaku. The site was immediately engaged, destroying four IRS tanks and two canoes.
He disclosed that a second mission originally intended to support troops northwest of Umuahia, was also diverted due to adverse weather conditions. The crew conducted further armed reconnaissance around the Obuzor section of the Imo River. During this mission, 12 IRS tanks, along with several jerrycans and other equipment used by the criminals, were destroyed around Owaza, Obuzor, Osuaku, and Obiaku.
He said NAF will continue to conduct air operations against the activities of oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta and in support of ground forces across the region.
“There is a need for law-abiding citizens to key into the efforts of security agencies to deter the activities of these economic saboteurs, which would go a long way in checkmating their activities,” he said.
NAF airstrikes destroy two illegal refining sites along Imo River