NAF uncovers, destroys illegal refining sites in Rivers, N’East

By Godwin Onoh, The Witness

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, says it has uncovered and destroyed some illegal refining sites and terrorist hideouts in Rivers State and some areas in the North-East respectively.

This was contained in a statement issued by the force’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday in Abuja.

The statement reads, “In continuation of efforts aimed at containing the activities of terrorists, militants and other criminal elements bent on destabilising the nation and making life unbearable to peace-loving Nigerians, the air component of Operation Delta Safe carried out air interdiction missions on some illegal refining sites located at Cawthorne Channels, Bille and Gogokori in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State on 27 August 2023.

“Having observed the sites to consist of illegal refining sites, the areas were attacked and destroyed. Specifically, at Gogokori, a Cotonou boat observed to be loaded with illegal refined products and heading into open waters was also engaged and destroyed.”

Gabkwet said similar strikes were also extended to Idama in Akuku‐Toru Local Government Area and Omoma in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State upon receipt of intelligence of refining activities at the two locations.

He also confirmed that strikes were conducted in the North-East on August 25 at Chinene, a terrorists’ hideout in the Mandara Mountains, which had been struck on several occasions in the past.

He added that, “Having observed the area continually host gatherings of terrorists and their activities, the location was struck with several terrorists neutralised while others fled for their lives.”

Gabkwet called on Nigerians to see themselves as part of the solution to these challenges through the provision of actionable information to security agencies.