The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed additional combat platforms to North-East Nigeria in support of the ongoing counter-insurgency operation codenamed ‘OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE’. The new deployment came on the heel of the recent visit of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq B. Abubakar to the operational areas.

The Director of Public Relations & Information, Air Commodore Dele Alonge, said yesterday that, “The newly deployed platforms include the F-7Ni fighter aircraft, Mi-24/35 attack helicopters, Agusta 109 LUH, Supa Puma Combat Support helicopter and ATR-42 surveillance aircraft which hitherto had been away for scheduled maintenance.”

He pointed out that the provision of additional platforms in the North-East is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s mandate to bring an end to insurgency in the North-East.

“The new deployment is aimed at boosting existing military efforts to defeat the Boko Haram Terrorists. It is also expected to enhance the capability of the Nigerian Armed Forces to fight in a more proactive and efficient manner.”