The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced on Sunday that it had destroyed two illegal crude oil refining sites with three surface tanks and reservoirs near Obiaku, close to the Imo/Abia/Rivers States borders, following an airstrike. The airstrikes occurred just 48 hours after NAF Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, revealed plans to extend air power deployment in response to national security needs in Abia State and the South-east Region during a visit to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.
During the meeting, the NAF Chief requested that the Abia State government provide land for the establishment of a Base to enhance security in the state and the entire South-east zone.
In a statement, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, said that the air strikes were conducted by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe. “Observing that these sites were active, authorisation was sought and received for air strikes on the targets. Building on these successes, air operations under Operation Delta Safe will be intensified, especially within the areas of interest, to curtail the activities of criminal elements,” he stated.
The statement noted that the successful destruction of the illegal refining sites supports the necessity of establishing a NAF Base in Abia State, a move both Otti and Abubakar agreed was long overdue during their meeting. “The NAF’s continued efforts in all ongoing operations underscore its commitment to maintaining aerial dominance over Nigerian skies while collaborating with surface forces for the safety and security of Nigeria and its citizenry,” the NAF spokesperson stated.
On June 7, 2024, NAF leadership announced plans to establish a permanent presence in Abia State to address security threats in the zone. Abubakar stated that NAF’s presence in Abia State would not only bolster airspace security but also provide invaluable support in emergency response, disaster management, and community development initiatives.