‘Terrorists’ are killed in the North-East when the Air Force destroys illegal refinery sites in rivers

By providing actionable information to security authorities, Nigerians are encouraged to consider themselves as a part of the solution to these problems, according to NAF.

According to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), it has carried out airstrikes in the nation’s north-east that have resulted in the destruction of multiple “terrorists” and illicit refinery facilities in Rivers State.

According to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, spokesman for the NAF, the development is a result of the organization’s efforts to “continue depriving non-state actors of the freedom to commit their nefarious acts at will.”

The NAF spokesman issued a statement on Sunday that read in part, “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 for peace-loving Nigerians, the air component of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) carried out air interdiction missions on some illegal refining sites located at Cawthorne Channels, Bille, and Gogokori in Degema Local Government Area

“The places were assaulted and destroyed once it was discovered that the sites consisted of illegal refining operations. Particularly at Gogokori, a Cotonou boat that was seen loading up on illicit refined goods and sailing out into open waters was also engaged and sunk.

On receiving information of refining activities at the two locations, similar strikes were also carried out in Idama in the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area and Omoma in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. Active illicit refining operations with reservoirs thought to hold illegally refined goods were seen above both locations. After that, the reservoirs were attacked, demolished, and set ablaze.

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Additionally, he added, “On August 25, 2023, the air component of OPDS also struck recognised militant/pirate camps in Cross River State. Air strikes were authorised in the various militant/pirate camps known as Big Joe’s Camp, Sunny’s Camp, Davids’ Camp in Bakassi Local Government Area, and Amos Camps in Calabar South Local Government Area after it was determined that these places were overrun with these criminals and their activities.

“Those that made an effort to flee via their different escape routes were also attacked. A lone building believed to be housing some kidnapped victims with armed men loitering around it in one of the alleged kidnappers’ camps was also struck using weapons on board the aircraft. The attacks caused chaos, and numerous kidnapped victims were seen escaping.

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He mentioned that strikes were carried out on Friday at Chinene, a persistent terrorist stronghold in the Mandara mountains, in the North-East.

After noticing that the area frequently hosted terrorist gatherings and operations, the NAF continued, “the location was struck with several terrorists neutralised while others fled for their lives.”

NAF reaffirmed its commitment to battling instability in the nation and stated that it will cooperate with other security organisations to achieve so.

All Nigerians are being urged, however, to “see themselves as part of the solution to these challenges through the provision of actionable information to security agencies.”