NAF Statement on Benue

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over the years has maintained the reputation of being a responsible organization that have discharged its constitutional mandate of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria and its airspace including lives and property of the citizenry. Hence, the NAF wishes to assure the good people of Benue State adequate protection of lives and property.

It is instructive to note that with the recent successes recorded by the military in the North East against the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT), intelligence reports revealed that due to the fierce attack on the sect, the BHT elements are presently in disarray and looking for soft targets to strike especially military installations.

Thus, the NAF has a responsibility to secure its perimeter fence to forestall any pre-emptive attack within and around the Air Force Base Makurdi. It was with the intention to fortify the Base that the Nigerian Air Force recently carried out a cordon and search operation within its Area of Responsibility. In carrying out this action, there was no destruction of houses or displacement of persons as reported by some media houses. Therefore, we wish to state unequivocally that the Nigerian Air Force is a humane, sensitive and rational organization that does not trample on the rights of law abiding citizens. They are therefore advised to go about their normal business without any fear of intimidation.

In view of the above, you are please requested to disseminate this information through your mass medium for the awareness of the general public.

Thank you for your usual cooperation.

Air Commodore DELE ALONGE

Director of Public Relations & Information

Nigerian Airforce