The Nigerian Air Force has deployed its troops and fighter aircraft to join the military efforts in curtailing the herdsmen’s killings in Plateau state.
Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information made the announcement on Thursday, saying the step was a directive from President Muhammadu Buhari to the air force on the Plateau incident.
He said the aircraft include the L-39ZA aircraft and the EC-135 attack helicopter.
“The deployment was ordered by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, in compliance with the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, to ensure that an end is put to the current spate of violence and killings in the state. 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.”