By Correspondent in Abuja.
The Nigerian Airforce component have been charged to remain focused and vigilant as they make concerted efforts towards ridding the entire North West of bandits and other criminal elements.
This is contained in a statement made available to The Reporters by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet,Director of Public Relations and Information,Nigerian Air Force on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, stated this on Tuesday while on operational tour of Air Component under Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) in Zamfara State.
According to the CAS, the current onslaught against bandits and their activities had continued to yield the expected outcome,hence for the need for the to remain focused disciplined and extra- vigilant until the security situation improved.
The CAS, “This is not the time for you to be complacent or assume that we have overcome the enemy. Rather, times like this calls for utmost discipline, alertness and extra focus on the task ahead.’
Air Marshal Amao commended them for their gallantry, dedication to duty and resolve towards ensuring that the fight against banditry in the North west is brought to a conclusive end.
Earlier, the Joint Task Force Commander of OPHD, who also doubles as the General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major- General UU Bassey, told the CAS that the operations continued to yield the requisite results with bandits hideouts being destroyed and decimated.
Maj,-Gen. Bassey thanked the CAS for ensuring that the Air Component as well as the NAF Special Forces were well trained and equipped for deployment to operational areas in the Region.
According to him,the renewed vigour exhibited by both Air and ground troops would no doubt be instrumental towards bringing the security situation in Zamfara State and environs to an end.
The CAS also took time to visit wounded airmen at the Federal Medical Centre and 207 Quick Response Group, Gusau where he assured them of NAF’s commitment towards their medical attention and complete recovery.
It is important to note that the NAF Special Forces as well as its air element have continued to be key enablers and deciders in the fight against banditry in the North West.
Indeed, in the last 2 months, several bandits have been neutralised through coordinated efforts between the air component, NAF Special Forces and other security elements in the theatre of operations.
The joint operations, which is in its critical moments, has so far seen to the dislodging of key bandits’ leaders and their followers as well as the destruction of their strongholds.
