The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Monday said it had deployed Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Aircraft (ISR) to Birnin Gawri Local Government Areas of Kaduna State to help in addressing security challenges in the area.
The Air Officer Commanding, (AOC) Air Training Command, AVM Muhammad Idris made the disclosure during a visit to the Emir of Birnin Gwari, Malam Zubairu Mai-Gawri II in his place.
Idris said the ISR was deployed two months ago after discussion with the General Officer Commanding Officer, 1 Division Nigerian Army and the Garrison Commanders in Kaduna.
“The request made to the NAF basically is to deploy ISR for surveillance over the entire emirate and beyond to assist the army with to intelligence, locate the bandits, degrade and arrest them.”
The AOC told the emir that the visit was at the instance of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadiq Abubakar, to commiserate with the kingdom on the loss of lives between Birnin Gwari and Funtua in Katsina State.
“We the members of Armed Forces we are very concerned all over the country over security challenges ranging from Maiduguri, Benue, Funtua, Zamfara and the rest of them.”
Idris said NAF has been in the forefront in curbing the activities of miscreants across the country.
” I am aware the Nigerian Army had established a Battalion in this area for the sole purpose of curbing the menace of cattle rustling, kidnapping and armed robbery.
“That has so far made impact and reduced the excess of this miscreants .
“However we still observe at intervals new flashes of incidents happenings in the area between here, Funtua and Zamfara.
“NAF is very much concerned and committed to restoring peace and stability in the area.”
Responding, the Emir appealed to the NAF to build a Helipad where helicopters can take off quickly to respond to any security threat in the area.
” If the army have a battalion, police have area command, am sure you need to have something too here.
“Years back when I became Emir, I surveyed where we can have an airport, I scouted for about two to three places.
“I am making this request through you to the Chief of Air Staff, we need your presence here.
“We will give you all the cooperation needed, and we will continue to pray for you to have enough funding to do your work effectively,” the Emir said
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