NAF airstrikes destroy 13 illegal oil refining sites, 7 boats
…As troops arrest fake army recruitment officer in Taraba
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has destroyed 13 illegal refining sites and seven Cotonou boats in Rivers, Bayelsa and Imo states.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday in Abuja.
Gabkwet said the air interdictions conducted between June 18 and June 22, also dispersed five J-5 buses attempting to siphon suspected crude oil products from surface tanks.
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He said that some of the illegal sites were discovered near Imo River on June 18 with seven overhead tanks, which were later destroyed while several suspected bunkerers fled.
According to him, air strikes were also extended to Wilcourt in Rivers on June 19, after an illegal site and canoe filled with illegally refined products as well as some gun boats
Gabkwet said the air crew also destroyed some illegal refining sites located at about 6-km from Tunu in Bayelsa.
He said that the air component undertook another significant strike on June 22, when the crew spotted 5xJ5 buses, probably reconfigured into mini tankers at the bank of Imo River attempting to siphon illegally refined products.
“Amazed at this change of tactics by these economic saboteurs, the crew did not hesitate to immediately destroy the illegal refining sites feeding the buses.
“The J5 buses were later seen dispersed with some taking cover under trees to avoid detection.
“Air strikes against economic saboteurs and oil thieves have continued to record the expected outcomes.
“This is majorly due to improved intelligence, enhanced air to ground coordination, and most importantly, due to NAF’s improved agility and resilience.
“These operations will be sustained until activities of these saboteurs are reduced to the barest minimum,” he said.
Meanwhile, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirle Stroke (OPWS), have apprehended one Mr Young Danladi, who has been posing as its recruitment officer in Taraba.
This is contained in a statement by Lt. Olubondunde Oni, the Acting Assistant Director of Information of the brigade, issued on Sunday in Jalingo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspect has been making attempts to scam innocent Nigerians aspiring to join the army.
Oni said that the arrest followed a visit by the Commander of the Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Uwa to the recruitment center at 114 Battalion Jimilari, to assess the ongoing exercise.
“The imposter was arrested yesterday, June 22, while making attempts to collect money from aspiring recruits and promising them guaranteed entry into the Nigerian army.
“The swift action of the troops thwarted his plans, protecting the candidates from falling victim to his fraudulent act.
“During his visit, Uwa assured the candidates of a fair and transparent recruitment process.
“We are committed to maintaining a level playing field for all candidates; our recruitment will solely be on merit, and we will not tolerate any fraudulent activities,” Oni said
Oni added that the brigade commander, who told the candidates that the recruitment was voluntary and free, warned them not to give money to anyone promising to help them to pass the screening.
” I commend the vigilance of the troops for the arrest of an imposter because the integrity of the recruitment process is a top priority for the army.
“The suspect will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
” I urge all candidates and the public to report any suspicious activities related to the recruitment exercise to the authorities.
”This will help ensure that only the most qualified candidates are inducted into the Nigerian army,” Oni quoted the commander.
