The Nigerian Air Force says, it will acquire and deploy unmanned combat Ariel vehicles, against bandits terrorizing the Northwest and Northeast region of the country, with the approval from the Federal Government in the next 3 months.
Chief of Air Staff Sadique Abubakar who disclosed this, at the year 2020 luncheon with the troops of air component operation Hadarin Daji and 213 forward operation base Katsina, said that the force will continue to provide necessary sophisticated equipment, that will add value and complement the ongoing onslaught against the bandits, terrorizing the two zones in general.
While commending the men and officers of the forward operation base in Katsina, the air chief also praised them for their exemplary conducts, professionalism, diligence, hard work and commitment which translated to the relative peace, enjoyed by the people of the state in operations Ruwan wWuta and Hadarin Daji.
He said the various operations will soon be strengthened, when the force build its air craft hangers for the servicing and adequate proper maintenance of its acquired assets.
According to him, the successes recorded so far by the troops, has degraded the capacity of the bandits to carry out attacks on innocent citizens.
This has also enabled friendly forces, to conduct necessary operations successfully, which has improved normalcy and increased socio-economic activities in the areas that were once deserted.
The Air Marshal also said that, as part of their non kinetic operations, the NAF is deploying its medical services branch to support communities both in Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
The air chief further charged the troops to continue working harder, remain focused saying that, it is not yet over until peace returns to the country, as he called for more cooperation from the locals.
Also Speaking at the luncheon, the special guest of honor, Governor Aminu Masari, thanked the NAF for the successes recorded, and urged the troops to work closely with locals, as the bandits have now migrated and are living within the communities, making it difficult for both air force and ground troops, to carry out successful operations, while blaming the vacuum on the reduced powers of the traditional rulers in the constitution.
Masari therefore assured the Nigeria Air Force, of his administration’s continued support.
The troops were treated to assorted African and intercontinental dishes, which made them feel home away from home.
Editor: Tunde Orebiyi
