The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has simultaneously decimated several criminal elements in the last few days through airstrikes in various theatres of operation.

This is contained in a statement by the director of public relations and information of NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday in Abuja.

In the Niger Delta region, Mr Gabkwet said airstrikes were targeted at the nefarious activities of oil thieves, which had continued to affect the general environment of the region and oil output. 

He said the NAF aircraft under Operation Delta Safe had, on August 11, conducted air interdiction missions at an illegal refining site situated southwest of Bille, a coastal town in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers.

Mr Gabkwet said similar airstrikes were also extended to a well-known IPOB camp in Orsumoghu in the Ihiala local government area of Anambra on the same day.

According to him, intelligence revealed that the proscribed IPOB elements in makeshift camps were sighted preparatory to an impending attack on innocent citizens when the need to engage them effectively arose.

He said the airstrike was subsequently carried out and deemed successful.

The NAF spokesman said similar airstrikes were carried out the same day by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai at a location about 1.5 kilometres east of Arra, a once-deserted terrorists’ hideout near Sambisa Forest.

He said earlier reconnaissance on the location had revealed terrorists massing up at the area, which had hitherto been cleared of terrorists’ activities about six months ago.

“There were strong indications that these terrorists had fled from locations around Lake Chad after the areas came under intense bombardment by NAF aircraft.

“The location east of Arra was consequently attacked to decimate the terrorists and deny them settling at the location and using it as a staging point.

“Footage of the aftermath of the strike later revealed it was successful as several terrorists were neutralised and structures destroyed, while the few surviving terrorists were seen scampering away in disarray.

“At the end, their ability to attack friendly forces, as well as innocent civilians, was degraded,” he said. 

(NAN)