The Air component of Operation Delta Safe has executed air interdiction missions in Rivers State, conducted in two separate missions targeted at specific sites along the Imo River, including the areas of Owaza, Uzaku, Obuzor, Osuaku, and Obiaku, all in the oil and gas rich Rivers State, South-South region of Nigeria
A statement by the Deputy Director of the Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Kabiru Ali said In the first mission, the aircrew proceeded to conduct Armed Reconnaissance 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 tanks and two canoes.
In a second mission, originally intended to support troops Northwest of Umuahia in Abia State, adverse weather conditions forced the crew to divert and conduct further Reconnaissance around the Obuzor section of the Imo River. During the mission, 12 tanks, along with several jerrycans and other equipment used by the criminals were destroyed around Owaza, Obuzor, Osuaku, and Obiaku.
The NAF statement noted that it will continue to conduct air operations against the activities of oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta and in support of ground forces across the region.
Meanwhile, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, is on a 2-day operational tour of the Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI and 213 Forward Operating Base in Katsina State. The visit highlights the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to bolstering security efforts and strengthening collaboration with Katsina State in addressing the challenges of banditry and other insecurity in the North-West region.
The Air Force Chief further assured Governor Dikko Radda of the NAF’s continued support in protecting farmers during the upcoming harvest season, emphasizing the importance of safe and productive agricultural activities to the Katsina State economy. He revealed that the NAF has intensified airstrikes against criminal elements in the North-West and is working to deploy a Quick Response Wing to increase military presence in vulnerable communities.
The Katsina State Governor also expressed optimism that the planned farmer’s protection operations and increased military presence in vulnerable areas would foster a more secure environment for the upcoming harvest season.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
