Continuing their relentless efforts to counter the actions of terrorists, militants, and other criminal factions’ intent on destabilizing the nation and causing suffering for law-abiding citizens, the aerial division of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) executed air interdiction missions on illicit refining sites situated at Cawthorne Channels, Bille, and Gogokori within Rivers State’s Degema Local Government Area on August 27, 2023.
According to a statement from Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, these areas were identified as housing unauthorized refining operations, prompting targeted strikes that effectively destroyed these sites. Notably, at Gogokori, a Cotonou boat laden with contraband refined products, bound for open waters, was intercepted and eliminated.
The campaign extended to IDAMA and OMOMA locations in Rivers State following intelligence indicating refining activities in those zones. Aerial reconnaissance over Idama and Omoma revealed operational illegal refining sites, complete with suspected reservoirs containing unlawfully refined products. These reservoirs were subsequently engaged, resulting in their destruction and engulfment in flames.
Gabkwet reported that on August 25, 2023, the air component of OPDS also engaged identified camps of militants and pirates in Cross River State. These 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, were subjected to airstrikes following verification of their criminal occupants and activities. Escaping criminals were also targeted along their escape routes. One of the suspected kidnappers’ camps was assaulted, resulting in the destruction of a lone structure suspected of holding kidnapped victims. Armed men in the vicinity were engaged with aircraft-mounted weaponry, leading to chaos and the subsequent escape of numerous kidnapped victims.
Moreover, on August 25, 2023, airstrikes were conducted in the northeastern region at Chinene, a recurring hideout for terrorists situated in the Mandara mountains. Given the area’s consistent use as a meeting point for terrorists and their operations, decisive action was taken, resulting in the neutralization of multiple terrorists, while others fled the scene.
The Nigerian Air Force’s aircraft have continued to deliver the desired outcomes, effectively curtailing the ability of non-state actors to carry out their illicit activities with impunity. While the Nigerian Air Force, alongside other security agencies, maintains its steadfast dedication to fulfilling their assigned duties, it remains imperative for all citizens to recognize their role as contributors to the solution of these challenges. This involves providing actionable information to security agencies to aid in their ongoing efforts.
