Why NAF deployed aircraft to Gombe during protest — Air chief

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has explained that the Nigerian Air Force deployed aircraft in Gombe State after the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest was hijacked by unscrupulous elements, stating that the situation necessitated additional security measures.

He added that the aircraft was deployed for reconnaissance missions and that the service’s regiment forces joined other security services in quelling the unrest.

A statement on Saturday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, revealed that Abubakar disclosed this in Gombe while meeting with the State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya.

Gabkwet said, “Speaking on the wanton destruction of lives and property during the recent protest in the State, Air Marshal Abubakar stated that, given the protest was hijacked by unscrupulous elements, the need for additional security measures became necessary.

“This situation, according to him, led to the NAF deploying an aircraft for reconnaissance over the metropolis and other parts of the State, while Regiment Forces joined other security services in quelling the unrest.”

Gabkwet said Abubakar emphasised that it is the responsibility of the Armed Forces to uphold democratic values in the country.

He said, “The Chief of the Air Staff stated that Nigeria’s democratic institutions, values, and principles are the foundation upon which the nation is built, and it remains the constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian Air Force and sister services to protect and strengthen them.”

In response, Governor Yahaya commended the NAF 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group for addressing looting and theft during the protest.

The statement added, “Yahaya noted that although these were trying times for the nation, the commitment of the NAF and other security agencies in addressing various security challenges has ensured that citizens can go about their lives with fewer threats. He then commended the NAF 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group for their swift response in dealing with recent looting and theft associated with the civic protest.

“The Governor assured the CAS of his Government’s commitment to assist in providing infrastructure to the 109 CRG to enable the unit to function effectively.”