The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced another round of
air interdiction missions codenamed ‘OPERATION FOREST STORM’ in the North East.
This new phase of offensive air operations is aimed at further degrading the
capabilities of the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) in the Sambisa general area
with a view to restrict the freedom of action of the insurgents as well as
neutralise any threat posed to movement of own ground forces in continuing with
their rescue operations.
The operation, which commenced about 3 days ago on 2 October
2016, is expected to last few days. During this period, the NAF would be
conducting series of air interdictions to take out a number of carefully
selected targets in the Sambisa Forest.
Meanwhile, the Air Component of OPERATION DELTA SAFE has
continued to rid the creeks in the Niger Delta of illegal oil refineries and
barges used for carrying stolen petroleum products. The NAF today, using the
EC-135 helicopters, destroyed illegal refineries and barges along east of Isaa
town, Borikiri, old Bakana as well as Bakana and Bille Communities.
Armed patrol over the affected areas also showed other
illegal human activities as people were seen digging bays to bury storage
tanks, drums and jerry cans. While urging these criminal elements to seek
legitimate means of livelihood, it is pertinent to state that the NAF will not
relent in its spirited effort to stamp out these acts of economic sabotage and
illicit activities in the region and other parts of the country.
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