NAF destroys terrorist, oil thieves camps in Borno, Cross Rivers states

NAF destroys terrorist, oil thieves camps in Borno, Cross Rivers states

By: Our Reporter

The Nigerian Air Force has conducted strikes in the Northeast region with precision at Chinene, a persistent terrorists’ hideout in the Mandara Mountains around the Gwoza area (the former Boko Haram Caliphate), which has been struck on several occasions in the past.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said on Sunday that having observed the area to continually host gatherings of terrorists and their activities, the location was struck with several terrorists neutralized while others fled for their lives.

“NAF aircraft have continued to give the requisite outcome while denying non-state actors the freedom to perpetrate their nefarious acts at will. While the NAF and other security agencies remain focused on undertaking their assigned tasks, the need for all Nigerians to see themselves as part of the solution to these challenges through the provision of information to security agencies cannot be overemphasized. ” Gabkwet said.

Speaking further, he said that in continuation of efforts aimed at containing the activities of terrorists, militants, and other criminal elements bent on destabilizing the nation and making life unbearable to 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 of Rivers State on August 27, 2023.

“Having observed the sites to consist of illegal refining sites, the areas were attacked and destroyed. Specifically, at Gogokori, a Cotonou boat observed to be loaded with illegal refined products and heading into open waters was also engaged and destroyed. ” He added.

According to Air Commodore Gabkwet, similar strikes were also extended to Idama in Akuku Toru Local Government Area and Omoma in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State upon receipt of intelligence of refining activities at the 2 locations.

Overhead, at both locations, active illegal refining sites with reservoirs suspected to contain illegally refined products were sighted. The reservoirs were subsequently engaged, destroyed, and engulfed in flames,” he said.

He noted that on August 25, 2023, identified militant and pirate camps in Cross River State were also attacked by the air component of OPDS. In the various militant and pirate camps identified as Big Joe’s Camp, Sunny’s Camp, David’s Camp in Bakassi Local Government Area, and Amos Camps in Calabar South Local Government Area,

Air strikes were authorized after confirming that these locations were littered with these criminals and their activities.

“Those that attempted to escape through their various escape routes were also attacked. In one of the suspected kidnappers’ camps, a lone structure suspected to be harboring some kidnapped victims with armed men roaming around the structure was also attacked using guns on board the aircraft. The strikes led to pandemonium, with several kidnapped victims seen escaping. ” He said.

NAF destroys terrorist, oil thieves camps in Borno, Cross Rivers states