By Gbemiga Olamikan
The Nigeria Air Force has assured Nigerians that, the force will continue to conduct air operations against the activities of oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta and will support ground forces across the region. Also called on law-abiding citizens to key into the efforts of security agencies to deter the activities of these economic saboteurs, noted that this will go a long way in checkmating their activities. This is coming as a result of intensified efforts to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
However, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe executed air interdiction missions in Rivers State on 13 September 2024 as they conducted two separate missions, targeted specific sites along the Imo River, including the areas of Owaza, Uzaku, Obuzor, Osuaku, and Obiaku. This was made known by Deputy Director Public Relations and Information of Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Kabiru Ali.
Group Captain Ali disclosed that the first mission of NAF aircraft were assigned to provide Close Air Support to ground troops near the Imo River. Due to a discrepancy between the initial coordinates and the troops’ updated location, the aircrew proceeded to conduct Armed Reconnaissance (AR) in the areas of Owaza and Uzaku. During this operation, they identified an active illegal refining site at Uzaku. The site was immediately engaged, resulting in the destruction of four IRS tanks and two canoes.
The second mission was originally intended to support troops northwest of Umuahia, adverse weather conditions forced the crew to divert and conduct further AR around the Obuzor section of the Imo River. Group Captain Ali said 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.
