Mohammed Badaru, the Minister of Defence, has announced the initiation of an enhanced air campaign aimed at addressing banditry and insurgency in Nigeria’s northwest region.
Gatekeepers News reports that in an official statement released on Monday, Olusola Akinboyewa, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), stated that the minister inaugurated the military operation during a visit to the air component of Operation Fansan Yamma in Katsina and Sokoto states on November 18.
Akinboyewa said the operation signifies an important step towards neutralising criminal activities and restoring peace to communities that have been adversely affected.
The Minister also commended the NAF for their commitment and successful implementation of air interdiction strategies during the campaign.
“Your bravery and professionalism serve as an inspiration to the Nigerian people,” the NAF spokesperson quoted Badaru to have said.
“We’re witnessing positive changes: farmers returning to farms, children back in school, businesses reopening, and Nigerians sleeping in peace.
“We’re witnessing positive changes: farmers returning to farms, children back in school, businesses reopening, and Nigerians sleeping in peace.”
The minister also reaffirmed the federal government’s support for the NAF under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we’ve prioritised investments in advanced technologies and resources. The president has provided state-of-the-art aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, boosting our capabilities,” he said.
Hasan Abubakar, the chief of air staff (CAS), expressed gratitude to the minister for his visit, which he said “had significantly lifted troop morale.”
“Your servant leadership inspires us. Your operational visits have heightened morale and renewed the fighting spirit of our troops,” Abubakar said.
He reiterated NAF’s commitment to restoring peace and stability to affected communities.
“We understand peace and stability are crucial for Nigeria’s prosperity. Rest assured, the NAF remains committed to safeguarding national unity and progress,” the air staff added.
The minister’s visit also featured briefings from field commanders, inspections of military assets, and a fly-past by NAF fighter pilots.
