The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a recent series of impactful airstrikes aimed at countering criminal elements across multiple operational zones.
According to a statement by Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), these operations have dealt significant blows to criminal activities in various regions.
Addressing the situation, Gabkwet highlighted the targeted efforts in the Niger Delta region to combat the persistent menace of oil theft. This illicit activity has not only been detrimental to the region’s environment but has also posed a significant challenge to the nation’s oil output.
On Friday, August 11, the air component of Operation Delta Safe executed interdiction missions with a focus on an illegal refining site located southwest of Bille, a coastal town situated within the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operations were aimed at curbing the ongoing unlawful activities related to oil theft.
Furthermore, the NAF extended its airstrikes to address a well-known camp associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Orsumoghu, situated within the Ihiala local government area of Anambra State.
The operation targeted the camp as part of the ongoing efforts to maintain law and order within the region.
The recent series of simultaneous airstrikes underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to combating criminal elements across different operational theatres.
The strategic and coordinated nature of these operations demonstrates the nation’s resolve to restore peace and security in regions affected by criminal activities.
According to him, intelligence had revealed that the proscribed IPOB elements in makeshift camps were sighted preparatory to an impending attack on innocent citizens when the need to effectively engage them arose.
He said the airstrike was subsequently carried out and deemed successful.
Gabkwet said that air strikes were also conducted the same day by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai at a location 1.5km East of Arra, a once-deserted terrorists’ hideout near Sambisa Forest.
He said that earlier reconnaissance of the location had revealed terrorists were regrouping there after the enclave was cleared about six months ago.
“There were strong indications that these terrorists had fled from locations around Lake Chad after the areas came under intense bombardment by NAF aircraft.
“The location east of Arra was consequently attacked to decimate the terrorists and deny them settling at the location and using the same as a staging point.
“Footage of the aftermath of the strike later revealed it was successful as several terrorists were neutralised and structures destroyed, while the few surviving terrorists were seen scampering away in disarray.
