The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has said it was winning the war against banditry and terrorism facing the Nigerian state.
This is contained in a statement. by. the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore, Edward Gabkwet,saying President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is providing the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) with new and modern platforms which are the NAF’s strength.
According to the CAS, there was no doubt that some of the new platforms in NAF’s Order of Battle, particularly the JF-17 Thunder aircraft, the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft and the Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been one of the many reasons why they are winning the battle against terrorists in the country.
But more need to be done to completely decimate and flush out the remnants of terrorists still preying on soft targets.
He also warned that being complacent at this point would be harmful to ongoing operations and called for extra focus, vigilance and caution.
Air Marshal Amao also told the personnel that the NAF was expecting the delivery of additional new platforms which the President has approved for the NAF.
“These platforms include 2 CASA-295 medium airlift aircraft, 2 Beechcraft King Air 360, 4 Diamond DA-62 surveillance aircraft, 3 Wing Loong II UCAVs and 6 T-129 ATAK helicopters.
“Other ongoing acquisitions include 2 Agusta 109 Trekker multi-role helicopters, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters and 24 M-346 attack aircraft to boost NAF’s air power employment and projection capabilities as well as air combat training.
“A few of these additional platforms are expected to be delivered to the NAF before the end of First quarter 2023. On the upcoming general elections, the CAS noted that while in exercising their constitutional right to vote for any candidate of their choice, they must desist from engaging in any form of political activities.
“We must continue to maintain our integrity and neutrality as a Service. You must also remember that as custodians of Nigeria’s constitution, we must ensure that the public’ s perception of the NAF and the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains positive and unblemished.’
“The CAS was accompanied by some Branch Chiefs, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, and some Directors.” The statement reads.
