The Spokesman for “Operation Safe Haven” in Plateau State, Capt. Umar Adams, has announced that security in the State has been beefed up following the attack on residents in Nkiedonwhro community by suspected Fulani herdsmen. He said that the first attack was successful because they underestimated the invaders.
This is following the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to the Military to stem the attacks and ensure that there are no reprisals. Capt. Adams said the Army has put measures in place to prevent further attacks and curtail any intending reprisals.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force [NAF] has deployed its troops and fighter aircraft including the L-39ZA aircraft and the EC-135 attack helicopter to Jos, Plateau State, to join the military forces in curtailing the herdsmen’s killings in the state.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the deployment was a directive from the President to the Air Force on the Plateau State incident.
He said the deployment was to prevent the killings as well as reprisal attacks from the herdsmen and natives, and avoid escalating the conflict. He also added that the joint military operation in the State, Safe Haven, would ensure a lasting end to the killings.
“We have deployed some air assets and personnel to Jos to support Operation Safe Haven to maintain peace and curtail senseless killings as well as the possible spread of violence in some parts of the state.
“The deployment was ordered by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, in compliance with the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, to ensure that an end is put to the current spate of violence and killings in the state. The deployment is also to ensure the prevention of reprisal attacks, which could escalate the conflict.
“The deployed NAF assets include the L-39ZA aircraft and the EC-135 helicopter, which are to provide necessary air cover to the surface forces participating in the operation in the state.” The Director added.
