The Nigerian Air Force has reported successful air operations targeting both illegal refining sites and terrorist hideouts. These missions took place in Rivers State and various regions in the North-East. The announcement was made through an official statement by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, on Sunday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the air component of Operation Delta Safe continued its efforts to counter the activities of terrorists, militants, and criminal elements aiming to disrupt the nation’s stability and the lives of its citizens. On August 27, 2023, air interdiction operations were carried out against illegal refining sites situated at Cawthorne Channels, Bille, and Gogokori in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. These locations were targeted and subsequently destroyed due to their association with illegal refining activities. Notably, at Gogokori, an illicitly loaded Cotonou boat, transporting illegal refined products and bound for open waters, was also engaged and destroyed.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Air Force extended similar operations to Idama in Akuku‐Toru Local Government Area and Omoma in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. These actions were prompted by intelligence indicating ongoing refining activities in these areas.
In addition, on August 25, air strikes were conducted in the North-East region at Chinene, a hideout used by terrorists in the Mandara Mountains. This location had been targeted in previous instances as well. The decision to strike was based on consistent reports of gatherings and activities of terrorists in the area. The operation resulted in the neutralization of several terrorists, while others managed to escape.
Air Commodore Gabkwet emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in addressing these challenges. He urged Nigerians to contribute to solutions by providing actionable information to the security agencies.
