Worried by the repeated cases of hostility on Niger, Kaduna and Zamfara by bandits, President Muhammadu Buhari has authorized the deployment of Airpower against bandits.
The disclosure was made by Presidential aide, Garba Shehu, in a statement yesterday, 26th January 2020 revealed that Buhari had received assurances that with the harmattan dust gradually easing its hold on the skies, fighter Aircraft would this week join the efforts to provide effective air attacks against bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers that have been attacking remote communities around Dogon Gona forest in Niger State.
The president described the attacks leading to the losses of several lives in the communities “as a disaster for the nation,” had ordered the deployment of air power to support troops and policemen deployed to the difficult terrain to counter the menace of the attackers operating in the forest area bordering Kaduna, Niger and Zamfara states.
The Nigerian Air Force on its part noted that it has perfected plans to set up refuelling facilities at Minna, Niger State to support the aircraft operations, giving assurances that the improved weather conditions, a major exercise to “visually acquire targets” and launch attacks will soon follow.
Also, the Police Command in Niger has equally given assurances that the planned dedicated air raids to complement the police helicopter gunship operations remain the best approach given the lack of motorized roads in the areas constantly under attack.