The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has deployed additional aircraft to the Niger Delta region in support of the military operations code named OPERATION PULO SHIELD against militancy, economic sabotage and all forms of criminality in the region.

The deployment was necessitated by the recent spate of attacks on Nation’s oil and gas installations by the new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA).

A statement issued by the Air Force and signed by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, indicates that the additional platforms, comprising fighter aircraft, helicopter gunship and surveillance aircraft are intended to enhance the capability of the NAF to undertake offensive air operations and intelligence gathering in support of the surfaces forces.

“Since the recent deployment the NAF has increased air operations around critical infrastructure in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States. These include but not limited to Escravos, Forcados in Delta State; Bonga oil field, Agbami offshore and Brass in Bayelsa; Bony in Rivers; Qua Iboe Terminal in Akwa Ibom State, and Opuekeba in Ondo State.

“Meanwhile, the NAF wishes to urge members of the public not to panic at the sight of low level flying aircraft but to go about their legitimate businesses. The NAF also enjoins any member of the public to avail it or other Security Agencies with useful information about the where about or activities of the militant group.”

•Photo shows a NAF bomber jet on duty.