NAF Reitterates Commitment To Safeguarding National Infrastructure
Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has revealed that in its effort to combat oil theft and checkmate the activities of economic sabotours in the Niger Delta Region, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe had in the last 3 days intensified operations, destroying 6 Illegal Refining Sites and 5 Cotonou Boats in Rivers State.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said on 12th November 2023, they had received an intelligence which revealed the sighting of 3 active Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) and 2 Cotonou Boats siphoning crude oil from pipelines at Cawthorne Channel and Alakri in the State which led to the engagement and subsequent destruction of the IRS and boats.
He said similar strikes were also carried out on the same day, on 3 Cotonou Boats sighted conveying suspected illegal refined products at Krakama in Rivers State.
While on the 13th of November, 2023, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft following intelligence report of illegal refining activities also struck some sites at Dariama Village in Rivers State.
He noted that on arrival, 3 IRS with tanks, pipes and pumping machines as well as Cotonou Boats loaded with suspected illegally refined products were sighted, engaged and subsequently destroyed.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, the intensified air operations should be seen as proactive measures to deter criminal elements involved in oil theft and safeguard the economic interests of the nation.
He further stressed that the NAF, alongside sister Services and other security agencies, remains committed in its efforts at securing infrastructures in the Niger Delta Region and beyond as well as vital government resources.
