Air strikes targeting illicit activities in the South-south region of Nigeria persisted as Nigerian Air Force aircraft, as part of Operation Delta Safe, conducted operations on November 28, 2023.
Director Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said the mission resulted in the destruction of two Cotonou boats located at Arugbana near Okrika in Rivers State. Additionally, an active Illegal Refining Site (IRS) equipped with machinery and reservoirs containing illicit products was annihilated at Yellow Island near Bonny Island in Rivers State on the same day.
Similar operations took place on November 27, 2023, southeast of Abisse in Rivers State. An active IRS was identified, concealed with reservoirs and a storage tank suspected of containing unlawfully refined products. The engaged aircraft successfully destroyed the reservoirs and storage tanks. Another location northwest of Omama was also targeted due to observed items suspected of holding stolen crude oil concealed in sacks.
Subsequent reconnaissance flights over Cawthorne Channel, Bille, Dariama, Okrika, Bonny Island, and Idama unveiled a series of destroyed and abandoned IRS, previously targeted by the Air Component. These sites now lay inactive, signaling potential success in the applied measures. The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe remains committed to fulfilling its duties until the activities of saboteurs are either completely eradicated or significantly minimized.
