NAF Aircraft Takes Down Oil Thieves and Terrorists in Niger Delta and Niger Stat
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has achieved a major feat in its operations against oil thieves and terrorists in the Niger Delta region and Niger State.
In a statement Sunday, the Director of Public Relations and Information Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet said, the NAF aircraft intercepted a speedboat carrying fleeing oil thieves and destroyed illegal oil refining sites in Wilcourt, Rivers State.
Additionally, the aircraft eliminated terrorists in Munya LGA, Niger State, who were rustling cattle from local communities.
The operations were carried out by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe, which has been working to checkmate the activities of oil thieves and economic saboteurs in the region. The NAF has been using modern technology and hardware to detect and deter the activities of these criminals, who have been using sophisticated methods to conceal their illegal activities.
In Wilcourt, the NAF destroyed three illegal refining sites with seven overhead tanks concealed under thick mangrove vegetation. Four boats suspected of carrying illegally refined products were also attacked and destroyed. The crew then pursued a speedboat carrying five suspected oil thieves, who were fleeing the area. The speedboat was intercepted with the help of two boats from the Nigerian Army Amphibious, and the criminals were eliminated.
In Munya LGA, Niger State, the NAF deployed its air assets to scan the area after receiving a tip-off about terrorists hibernating in the area. The aircraft intercepted the terrorists on nine motorcycles, leading rustled cattle. The terrorists were struck in several passes, and most of them were eliminated. The locals have reported positive feedback, with many able to recover their rustled cattle and return to their livelihoods.
The NAF’s operations demonstrate its commitment to protecting the country’s resources and citizens from criminal activities. The Air Force’s use of modern technology and hardware has enabled it to stay ahead of the game and detect and deter the activities of oil thieves and terrorists.
