The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar on Tuesday directed the deployment of Special Forces recently trained in asymmetric warfare to Gusau Capital of Zamfara State as part of efforts to stop the incessant banditry attacks.
Confirming the report Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya said the development follows the recent attack on Bawan Daji community in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State where some lives were lost.
“Following the recent attack on Bawan Daji community in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State where some lives were lost, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, directed that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces be deployed to Gusau, as part of efforts to stop the incessant banditry attacks.
“Accordingly, the Zamfara State,, who were trained in asymmetric warfare, were airlifted from Kaduna with the NAF C-130 Hercules aircraft to complement the efforts of other security forces on the ground to prevent further attack on innocent citizens,” Adesanya said.
The Nigerian Air Force spokesman added that the personnel and other supporting staff would operate from the recently established 207 Quick Response Group in Gusau, where they would reinforce the existing regiment personnel in the Unit in support of the ongoing Operation SHARAN DAJI in the State.
Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal Ismaila Kaita, addressing the troops before their deployment announced that the Special Forces would be further deployed to remote areas of Zamfara State, where they would be engaged in Internal Security operations.
Kaita urged them to effectively utilize their experience and training to protect the lives and properties of the people of Zamfara State. He added that the NAF leadership expects the Special Forces to exhibit the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human rights in discharging their duties.
The NAF has embarked on the deployment of its Special Forces to various states and established Quick Response Wings at Agatu, Doma and Nguroje in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States. Arrangements are also ongoing to establish a new Quick Response Group in Jalingo, Taraba State to superintend the activities of the 3 new Quick Response Wings.
