By Iliya Kure
Kaduna (Nigeria) — Nigerian Air Force (NAF), says it has deployed air assets and personnel to Jos, the Plateau State capital, in central Nigeria, to support Operation SAFE HAVEN to maintain peace and curtail ongoing killings, as well as possible spread of violence in some parts of the State.
A statement by its spokesman, says the deployment was ordered by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, in compliance with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari, to maintain peace.
“The deployment is also to ensure the prevention of reprisal attacks, which could escalate the conflict.
“The deployed NAF assets include the L-39ZA aircraft and the EC-135 helicopter, which are to provide necessary air cover to the surface forces participating in the Operation in the State. The L-39ZA aircraft operates from its base in Kano while the EC-135 helicopter operates from Jos,” the statement says.
“The NAF, apart from its presence in the North East to fight Boko Haram insurgents, has also deployed its air assets and personnel in recent times to Kafachan in Southern Kaduna and Takum in Taraba State to stop incessant communal clashes.
“The NAF remains focused on its primary responsibility of ensuring the security of the citizenry while continuing to count on their support and understanding,” the statement concludes.