By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao has charged the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) component of Operation Hadarin Daji to remain focused and vigilant as they make concerted efforts towards ridding the entire North West of bandits and other criminal elements.
Air Commodore Edward GabkwetDirector of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, in a press release on Tuesday said the CAS gave the charge on Tuesday while on operational tour of Air Component under Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) in Zamfara State.
He said the CAS noted that the current onslaught against bandits and their activities has continued to yield the expected outcome hence the need to remain focused disciplined and extra- vigilant until the security situation improves.
“According to 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 went on to commend 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, briefed the CAS on ongoing operations in Zamfara State and the entire North Western area. He informed the CAS that the operations have continued to yield the requisite results with bandits hideouts being destroyed and decimated.
“Maj Gen Bassey also thanked the CAS for ensuring that the Air Component as well as the NAF Special Forces are well trained and equipped for deployment to operational areas in the Region. According to Maj Gen Bassey, the renewed vigour exhibited by both Air and ground troops will 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.”
