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Tag: Air Force

  • Air Force launches decisive strikes against bandits in Northwest

    Air Force launches decisive strikes against bandits in Northwest

    • DHQ debunks report of terrorists’ abduction of Army general

    Scores of terrorists have been neutralised in Zamfara State after Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets bombed their enclave at Sauri, Tsafe Local Government Area of the state.

     The strikes also destroyed terrorists’ critical structures and logistics points, a move that may likely wither the criminals’ operational capability in the area.

     This came a day after Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mattawale, announced that the federal government had deployed additional troops and ordered decisive action against armed groups across the state.

     According to a statement by NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, yesterday, the strikes were conducted on November 14, after “comprehensive intelligence and surveillance operations confirmed significant terrorist activity and rustled livestock concealed in a high-ground hideout used by the criminals as both a defensive position and a logistics hub.”

     The statement said the Air Component, acting on the intelligence, executed multiple coordinated strikes on the identified targets, achieving direct hits that dislodged surviving terrorists who attempted to flee into surrounding vegetation but were subsequently tracked and effectively engaged.

     “The successful mission resulted in the neutralisation of numerous terrorists and the destruction of critical structures and logistics points, significantly degrading the criminals’ operational capability in the area,” it said.

     The statement said the decisive action by the Air Component against the terrorists reinforced the recent directive of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, to “find them, hunt them down, and protect our people.”

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     It said the operation also underscored the unwavering resolve of the Joint Task Force and the NAF under the Operation FANSAN YAMMA to “deny terrorists safe havens, strengthen security in Zamfara State, and support wider national efforts to restore lasting peace and stability across the North West.”

    DHQ debunks report of terrorists’ abduction of Army general

    The Nigerian Army high command yesterday debunked a report by some online platforms of the kidnapping of a Brigade Commander during a terrorists’ ambush on Damboa Road in Borno State.

    The Army high command, in a statement through the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Apollonia Anele, yesterday, described the report as “fake news” and urged the public to disregard it in its entirety.

    Giving an explanation about the incident that occurred on Friday night, the statement said troops of 25 Task Force Brigade on routine patrol to secure communities around Wajiroko in Azi Multe, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, came under sudden and heavy insurgent fire while returning from a successful patrol within the fringes of Sambisa Forest.

     According to the statement, the patrol team was led by the Commander 25 Brigade, Brig-Gen M. Uba, and comprised troops of 25 Task Force Brigade and members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

     It said the troops courageously fought through the insurgents’ ambush with superior fire power, forcing them to withdraw in disarray and to abandon their mission.

     “During the encounter, two brave soldiers and two heroic CJTF members paid the supreme price while on active service to the nation,” the statement said.

     While commending the troops for their gallantry, the Army high command commiserated with families and associates of the deceased soldiers for their heroic sacrifice to the nation.

     “The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, salutes the uncommon bravery, resilience and sacrifice of the gallant troops who have continued to operate in one of the most dangerous theatres of conflict on behalf of our dear nation.

     “Their unflinching commitment, even in the face of grave danger, remains a powerful reminder of the daily sacrifices being made by our gallant service men and women to keep Nigeria safe,” the statement added.

  • 62 kidnapped victims escape as Air Force strikes bandit camp in Danmusa Local Government

    62 kidnapped victims escape as Air Force strikes bandit camp in Danmusa Local Government

    The Katsina State Government has confirmed the dramatic escape of 62 kidnapped victims following a manhunt of a notorious bandit, Muhammadu Fulani by the Nigerian Air Force that successfully struck his camp located in Jigawa Sawai of Danmusa Local Government Area. A community bordering Zamfara State.

     A press statement which was signed by the Kastina state commissioner for internal security, Nasir Muazu and made available to newsmen in katsina, said 12 of the escaped victims are currently receiving medical attention at Matazu General Hospital. While 16 are waiting at the Army FOB in Kaiga Malamai.

    He said ’’During interviews with the rescued victims, it was confirmed that the bandits fled as a result of the airstrike. The victims revealed that about 62 people escaped and took off in different directions’’.

    ‘’The majority of the victims were abducted from Sayaya village during a night attack on Monday, August 11, 2025, by Filani’s gang, which has been terrorizing Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and parts of Kano State’’.

    ‘’Responding to the persistent bandit attacks in Matazu and Bakori Local Government Areas, the state government has deployed the Quick Response Wing of the Nigerian Air Force to restore peace to the troubled communities’’.

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    ‘’More so, our troops are currently monitoring the situation for further rescue operations. The general security situation in the area remains calm’’.

    ‘’We wish to assure families that the government would reunite the rescued victims with their loved ones after completing necessary medical examinations’’.

    ‘’In the same vein, the State Government under the leadership of Malam Dikko Umaru Radda commended the gallantry efforts of our security forces and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending banditry in the state.’’

  • Air Force men invade IE’s headquarters, over power cut to NAF Base

    Air Force men invade IE’s headquarters, over power cut to NAF Base

    • AOC promises probe
    • 10 DisCo workers injured, properties damaged
    • Fed Govt to offset N4b’s NAF electricity bills

    Over 60 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base personnel yesterday invaded the headquarters of Ikeja Electric Distribution Company at Alausa, Lagos over power cut.

    They injured some workers and destroyed properties.

    But NAF has promised to investigate the incident and bring those responsible for the rage to justice.

    Eyewitnesses recounted how the soldiers, angered by the disconnection of their light for more than 10 days by the DisCo over lingering issues, including a N4 billion unpaid debt, tampering of recloser, and denying staff members of the DisCo access into the Sam Ethnam Base to probe and rectify things; the soldiers who stormed the business premises located not far from the Government House, allegedly pointed their cocked guns at civilians while ordering them to lay down with their faces to the ground.

    They were alleged to have used planks and metal objects to assault some of the workers, just as other members of the over 200 workers present in the building received slaps, fist blows and other physical assaults from the soldiers.

    The soldiers who held the premises hostage for over two hours, were said to have also grounded vehicular movement in that part of the road as armed soldiers stationed on the expressway to prevent access to and from that part of the expressway.

    Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, AVM Adeniran Ademuwagun gave the assurance when he visited the DisCo’s premises after the incident to broker peace.

    Read Also: Troops rescue five abducted victims, arrest three suspects

    AVM Ademuwagun said: “What happened this morning was quite unfortunate, and certainly it will not happen again. As you heard from the chairman, electricity in the base environment is not a luxury, it is an essential commodity.’’

    IKEDC Chairman Kola Adesina confirmed the incident.

    Notwithstanding, Adesina said as a leader, he has the responsibility to de-escalate the situation, adding that steps were taken to engage with the leadership of the Air Force, and they responded.

    “Not only did they respond, eventually they left the premises with some of our people as well as some vehicles, but those vehicles were returned.’’

    However, the Federal Govenment has promised to clear the N4billion electricity bill.

  • Fubara donates helicopter to Air Force for Rivers, Niger Delta operations

    Fubara donates helicopter to Air Force for Rivers, Niger Delta operations

    Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has donated a helicopter owned by the state government to the Nigerian Air Force to enhance security in the state and the Niger Delta.

    The governor, who handed over the AW 139 helicopter to the Chief of Air Staff at the Air Force Base Port Harcourt on Wednesday specifically called on the security agency to use it to enhance security within the state and the Niger Delta.

    The governor recalled that state donated security boats in the past but that they were not deployed to secure lives and property of Rivers people.  

    He told them that they could use the helicopter to do other things but that 70 per cent of its deployment should be to enhance security and protect critical assets within the state. 

    He said: “We have been faced with the situation where we donate security boats and at the end it is not used to secure the lives of our people. About two or three weeks ago we were embarrassed that the Inspector-General of Police has to donate some security boats for the security of our waterway, especially the Bonny waterway. 

    “As I know, not just my administration, even the previous administration made significant donations of gunboats for the purpose of securing of waterways. So, please ensure that while you also use it to do other things let it be 70% used in Rivers State”.

    The governor described the gesture as a demonstration of his government’s support and contributions to secure Rivers and the Niger Delta.

    He said as the Rivers governor, he is a member of the committee saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that critical assets of the federal government domicile in the Niger Delta are protected and secured for the purposes of enhancing good production and effective running of the government. 

    He said: “As part of our responsibilities, we are required to provide basic support in form of logistics for effective operations, not just for the Nigerian Air Force, but it includes the Army, Navy, Police and the DSS”.

    On why his government took a decision to donate the helicopter to the Air Force, he said: “Knowing that we are saddled with this responsibility we were confronted with this request that our AW 139 helicopter had been left here for so many years. 

    “The contractor that government gave the helicopter to use was not remiting anything to the state, so there was a problem between the Aero Contractor and the previous administration where this helicopter was forcefully retrieved from them. 

    “It has been here for awhile and we are not using it. When we received the request from the Chief of Air Staff that they are interested, if we will be willing to donate it for security operations. 

    ‘We didn’t hesitate, we brought it before the Executive Council meeting, it was deliberated upon and we agreed that the success of the operation of the Air Force in securing critical assets is paramount to us. 

    “If the production level increases it means more revenue to Rivers State. What will it mean, and what will it cost us if we donate the helicopter for this purpose to ensure and show that we are all supporting the cause of Mr. President to ensure that there is increase in production level”.

    Fubara explained that the donation was totally free; done without conditions and devoid of politics, adding that it was simply a demonstration of his government’s commitment.

    “We never requested for anything. Our only request is that this donation should be adequately and effectively deployed to secure lives, assets and majorly operations in Rivers State and Niger Delta at large. We are openly doing it to let the world know that we are not exchanging it for anything. It is purely a support for the success of this country”, he said.

    He said the state government and the Air Force remained partners in progress noting that beyond the donation the government was involved in other areas of support including the ongoing rehabilitation of the runway at the airbase.

    He said: “We are also happy that the records and the history will have it that our administration paid serious attention to the security of lives and property of our people. I can’t go into details but the most important thing is that this exchange of the hand over is purely official and this property from this hour belongs to the Nigerian Air Force. Our appeal should be and stands on this fact that you use it majorly in Rivers State and Niger Delta.

    “We on our part we will continue to do everything within our power to complement what the Federal Government is doing and what the President is doing to ensure that lives and property of our people are safe, critical assets secured, and production level is increased. We are not going back on it, we will continue to do more to support it.”

    Read Also: Ex-Bayelsa Rep to Fubara: refrain from utterances capable of throwing Rivers into turmoil

    On his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, thanked the governor for his support confirming that the state government recently approved the contract for the rehabilitation of the runaway and aprons at the base.

    “We remain deeply grateful to the Rivers State Government for its consistent support and dedication to the nearly six decades that we have been here. Strong partnership with the government and civil institutions such as this generous hand over of the139 helicopter by the Rivers State Government exemplifies the collaborative approach needed to strengthen national security.

    “By fostering synergy between civil authorities and the military will ensure a more responsive, agile and capable force to address some temporary security challenges. The security landscape in Nigeria today demands a dynamic and proactive measure to counter the evolving threats posed by non-state actors”, he said.

    He said the AW 139 helicopter would significantly enhance Air Force operational capacity particularly the tactical air lift, search and rescues among others.

  • Zamfara: Air Force strike in Tungar Kara community not intentional, says Lawal

    Zamfara: Air Force strike in Tungar Kara community not intentional, says Lawal

    Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal has described the recent military airstrike in the North-Western state as unintentional.

    Governor Lawal, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today yesterday, commiserated with the families affected by the tragic incident.

    The governor disclosed that he was aware of the military operation before the tragedy, explaining that he had personally called for the Air Force’s intervention to neutralise bandits attacking the area.

    “We have been battling issues within the last three days as a result of the airstrike. Let me say this, I have full information on what happened that fateful day, because we made the distress call to the Air Force in terms of some bandits attacking communities, and they quickly responded, and they were able to neutralise a lot of bandits,” he explained.

    “But on the second time when we made the same reports, unfortunately at that time, they were some what we call the CPGs and some of those communities that came to rescue those under attacks, and in the process, they were hit by the Air Force, and I believe it was not intentional. It was one of those things in this kind of situation, sometimes there may be collateral damage and that was what happened in less than three days.”

    Regarding his response to the incident, the governor noted, “I set up a powerful delegation led by my deputy governor for on-the-spot assessment and to commiserate with the families of those that lost their lives. In the process, what happened was fully explained, and they quite understood it was not intentional.”

    Governor Lawal expressed confidence in the military’s capacity to address the menace of banditry in Zamfara, adding that the notorious bandit leader Bello Turji would soon meet his end, just like other high-profile bandits who have been neutralised.

    The tragic airstrike, which occurred on January 11, claimed the lives of over 16 residents in the Tungar Kara community in Maradun Local Government Area.

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    In response to the incident, the Nigerian Air Force deployed a fact-finding team to investigate the tragedy and uncover the circumstances surrounding the operation.

    The governor also assured of efforts being made by both the Federal government and Zamfara state to stamp out banditry in the North West region of the country.

    According to him, his government has heavily invested on technology, hence, the successes the state had recorded in recent times.

    He vowed to continue to do the needful till all residents in the state are free from fear of attacks.

  • JUST IN: Air Force council promotes 19 AVMs, 33 Air Commodores

    JUST IN: Air Force council promotes 19 AVMs, 33 Air Commodores

    The Air Force Council has approved the promotion of 19 Air Vice Marshals (AVMs) and 33 Air Commodores (Air Cdres) in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). 

    NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, announced this in a statement on Friday.

    According to the statement, the newly promoted officers had demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional competence, and dedication to duty in various operational and administrative roles, to earn the elevation.

    The statement said: “Those elevated to AVM are: Osichinaka Ubadike, Olusola Akinboyewa, Olasunkanmi Abu, Yohanna Katabiya, Nosiru Folaji, David Pwajok, Albert Bot, Ibitayo Ajiboye, Mikail Abdulraheem, Kennedy Mataluwo, and Gbolahan Oremosu. 

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    “Others are Ayodele Hanidu, Mohammed Omar, Atang Sambo, Jibrin Usman, Ernest Owai, Adindu Ekwuribe, Garuba Bello, and Muhammed Isah.”

    Officers promoted to Air Commodore, according to the statement, include Abdulahi Abu, Sani Ma’aji, Olamiju Obasa, Eyo Benson, Bashiru Amunemi, Nuhu Hassan, Oluwasegun Okeniyi, Abang Oyong, Eze Onu, Folarin Agbebi, Mohammed Aliyu, and Muzamil Muhammed. 

    Other officers elevated to Air Commodore are Gp Capts Ibrahim Musa, Nkechi Esionye-Uzodinma, Rapheal Garba, Daniel Komo, Eric Kpokpogri, Bature Usman, Adebunmi Ola, and Dooyum Laha. Also promoted are Gp Capts Bello Argungu, Bello Aliyu, Ahmed Saidu, Isiaka Yakubu, Abba Muhammed, Olusoji Olarenwaju, Joshua Nalazai, Kingsley Obi, Hafsat Ali, Ademola Adejimi, Abdullahi Abubakar, Ayuba Abubakar, and Mustapha Elkhojah.

    The statement said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had congratulated the promoted officers and urged them to “see their new ranks as a call to greater service and responsibility.” 

  • Air Force ‘kills’ 23 villagers, worshippers in Kaduna, alleges expert

    Air Force ‘kills’ 23 villagers, worshippers in Kaduna, alleges expert

    A security expert, Bulama Burkati has accused the Nigerian Air Force of killing 23 innocent villagers, including women and children, during its Monday’s onslaught on supposed terrorists’ enclave in Kidandan village, Kaduna State.

    Burkati took to his verified X account to call out the military service for yet another “mistaken” airstrike which targeted a bandits’ base.

    According to Burkati, locals claimed the airstrikes, which the NAF reported killed scores of terrorists; hit worshippers in a mosque and people in a nearby market.

    He wrote: “A Nigerian Air Force bombing reportedly killed 23 innocent villagers, including women and children, in Kidandan village, Kaduna State, yesterday.

    “While the NAF say it targeted a bandit base and killed scores of terrorists, villagers claim that the strike hit worshippers in a mosque and people in a nearby market, killing civilians going about their daily lives. “Disfigured bodies of the victims were buried in the village yesterday according to Islamic rites.

    “This appears to be yet another ‘mistaken’ airstrike by the NAF. There have been over a dozen such incidents where hundreds of civilians were mistakenly killed, thought to be terrorists. “The most recent occurred on December 3, 2023, when a NAF bombing in Tudun Biri, also in Kaduna State, killed at least 85 people celebrating the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) birthday. “The Nigerian Army later admitted to illegally killing civilians in this incident and court-martialed two personnel suspected to be culpable.”

    Also, Usman Zannah wondered how many more innocent lives would be sacrificed under the guide of mistaken airstrikes.

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    “How many more innocent lives will be sacrificed under the guise of “mistaken” airstrikes? This is reckless and inhumane. The NAF must be brought to account for these senseless killings,” he said.

    Efforts to get the reaction of the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information (DDOPRI), Group Captain Kabiru Ali, were unsuccessful as he didn’t answer calls to his mobile number.

    However, Ali in a statement yesterday, denied allegations that airstrikes killed civilians at Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, noting that they were executed based on credible intelligence and confirmatory surveillance footage.

    “The airstrike on the location was based on credible intelligence from numerous reliable sources, as well as confirmatory surveillance of the target area before the strike.

    “The said location has been notorious as a terrorist enclave for over two years and the successful airstrike would no doubt go a long way in minimizing banditry, kidnapping and similar attacks on innocent civilians in Kaduna State and environs.

    “Nevertheless, the NAF is not taking these allegations lightly, as its focus is to always achieve the desired operational objective without collateral damage.

    “Accordingly, a thorough investigation is currently ongoing to ascertain the facts with a view to keeping the populace informed in due course,” he said.

  • Air Force knocks out terrorists’ enclaves near Lake Chad

    Air Force knocks out terrorists’ enclaves near Lake Chad

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of the military special task force, “Operation Hadin Kai’’, has continued to decimate terrorists and their hideouts at Tumbuns near Lake Chad.

    NAF’s Director, Public Relations and Information, AVM Edward Gabkwet, stated on Monday in Abuja that intelligence report received made airstrikes on a location Northwest of Arina Woje in Tumbuns on Sunday imperative.

    He explained that the report indicated the presence of terrorists’ hideouts at the location.

    He added that the report also confirmed an activation of terrorists’ activities around clusters of structures concealed under trees near the location.

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    “A post-strike Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralised and their hideouts set ablaze, thereby degrading their capabilities to attack surface forces.

    “These strikes have also degraded the capabilities of terrorist elements operating in the region to attack innocent civilians residing near Arina Woje in Borno,’’ Gabkwet stated.

    (NAN)

  • Air Force Institute matriculates 1,319 students

    Air Force Institute matriculates 1,319 students

    The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), on Saturday, matriculated its 7th set of  1,319 students  in Kaduna.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the matriculants comprised 1,054 degree and  265 diploma students totalling 1,319 for 2023/2024 academic session.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Kabiru Bala, the Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, who is also the Special Guest of Honour at the event, said:  “Against all odds, we are witnessing the matriculation of the seventh set of degree students of AFIT.

    “I have been made to understand that there are NUC and NBTE students matriculating today. This is what translates to this impressive increase.”

    The VC noted with satisfaction that the number of courses available at undergraduate level had also increased from 11 to 28.

    According to him, AFIT is indeed the premier hybrid institution in Nigeria running both Polytechnic and University systems.

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    “This makes all the students here very unique in their training. You are expected to be better than students from other contemporary universities who do not have the benefit of your theoretical and practical training.

    “To ensure that you turn out as sound students, AFIT has also put down enormous resources to make your stay in the institute very rewarding both in terms of academics and recreation,” he assured.

    Bala enjoined the students to remember the major reasons why they were in the institution, saying, “You are here to read, study, make good grades. I, therefore, urge you to be good ambassadors of your homes, school and the nation at large.”

    The VC also urged the students   not to lose sight of their  academics and  encouraged them  to have an active social life with their fellow students.

    “It is in university that you form lifelong relationships that will impact positively in the years to come.

    “You have took your oath of allegiance and I urge you all to look carefully at the contents in your spare time,” he advised.

    He observed that the words in the oath were binding and must  not be breached, insisting that doing so might lead to suspension or expulsion.

    Bala commended the AFIT Commandant for what he described as giant strides recorded by the institution within the shortage possible period.

    “It gladens my heart to see that the institute is wearing a new outlook, the buildings are renovated and many wear a facelift.

    “I encourage you with the Maxim that says “the reward for hard work is more work”. As  Vice Chancellor of a sister institution, I will continue to support the ideals and aspirations of the institute,” Bala assured.

    Earlier, the Commandant, AVM Sani Rabe said the combined matriculation was the 7th organised by the institute since it was upgraded to a full fledged degree awarding tripartite institution.

    He said: “In the 2018/2019 academic session, 531 students were matriculated as pioneer students. Today, 1,319 students comprising 1,054 degree and 265 diploma students are matriculating.

    “This shows a tremendous increase of over 100 per cent in the number of students admitted within this short space of time.

    “It reflects the growing popularity of the institute among Nigerians and the growing number of applications we receive from potential students.

    “I must say that the rush by candidates for AFIT signifies the success of the ongoing efforts at transforming the institution into a world class tertiary institution,” he observed.

    He said that the increase in the number of students continued to rise despite the high cut-off marks set by the institute for admission. .

    The Commandant urged the matriculating students to consider themselves most fortunate for scaling through the competitive admission process.

    He said over 6,000 applicants sought for a space but “you are among the lucky few to be admitted.”

    Rabe implored the students to be law abiding, respect and obey all rules and regulations of the institution.

    “You are to refrain from any act of violence, cultism, examination malpractice, indecent dressing and other actions that may jeopardise the work of the institute or likely to bring the institute or your family name into disrepute,” he said.

    He said AFIT  remains the foremost institution for aerospace engineering in Nigeria.

    “Let me use this medium to encourage you not to forget your creator because He is the one who guides your steps and will direct you to become successful in your chosen fields of study.

    “Also, remember the labours of your parents and sponsors and always keep in focus your reason for coming to AFIT,” Rabe advised.

    (NAN)

  • Air Force admits killing over 40 civilians mistakenly in Nasarawa

    Air Force admits killing over 40 civilians mistakenly in Nasarawa

    The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has admitted that the airstrike attack on Rukubi community in Doma local government area of Nasarawa, which killed over 40 innocent civilians in early 2023 was in error.

    Over 40 innocent civilians were killed through airstrikes in January 2023.

    Speaking during a visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House, Lafia, the  Air Marshal said the airstrike was accidental, appealing to the Nasarawa State Government to forgive the Force for the development.

    He said NAF acted on intelligence report to the effect  that some terrorists were sighted on motorcycles in a location around the Rukubi community but the operation turned out to be a disaster.

    “It is not news that the general area (Rukubi) at that time had been well known for its insecurity occasioned by kidnapping and terrorism. Within the period you would recall that six primary school pupils were also kidnapped in the Doma LGA.

    “This, necessitated the surveillance by the Nigerian Air Force within the period of time. Unfortunately, the airstrike killed some civilians at the location.

    “The unfortunate incident of January 2023 was in no way deliberate as no military the world over, will intentionally kill those it is mandated to protect.

    “Therefore, our visit to you (Governor Sule) is to solicit your kind intervention in interfacing with the representatives of the victims of the accidental air strike at Rukubi,” he explained.

    He said it was urgent to reach out to families of those affected by the strike to calm nerves and bring the matter to a close.

    He promised to collaborate with the state government in tackling the insecurity in the.state.

    Responding, Sule commended the Nigerian Air Force for owning up to its mistakes and reaching out to the families of those affected.

     “When the incident happened, I did not know how to handle it. I had to invite the Miyetti Allah leadership to come in and help me calm them.

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    “One of them who is about 80 years old made me shed tears because he said he had lost his nine children and about 80 cows to the airstrike. They all perished.

    “He looked at me and said, I have nothing anymore here (on earth). I do not have children or cows. What do you want me to do Mr. Governor?, I looked at him and encouraged him to be patient, reminding him that he came to this world alone without any of those things and he will go back to the Almighty Allah one day without any those things. That was how he stopped crying and became calm on the matter.

    “So, your coming at this time is perfect and I welcome you to Nasarawa State. We will continue to support you so that at the end of the day, you can continue to provide the services of protecting the lives of the people,” he said.