By Musa Umar Bologi
Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it has commenced another round of air interdiction mission codenamed “Operation Forest Storm” in the North-east.
NAF’s spokesperson, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, said in a statement that the new phase of offensive air operations was aimed at further degrading the capabilities of the Boko Haram insurgents in Sambisa general area, “with a view to restricting 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.”
He said the operation, which commenced about four days is expected to last few days, during which NAF would conduct series of air interdictions to take out a number of carefully selected targets in Sambisa forest.
He said: “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 militants to seek legitimate means of livelihood, he said NAF would not relent in its efforts to stamp any act of economic sabotage in the region.