NAF To Provide Military Cover For Katsina Farmers During Harvest Season

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigeria Air Force, NAF, has said that it has increased the level of its airstrikes at identified camps of banditry and other criminal elements in the North West region of the country.

This is just as it assured of its readiness to deploy  the Quick Response Wing of the Service ,to further the battle against insurgency and terrorism in the region.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, who gave the assurance during a working tour of the facilities within the air component of the Operation Hadarin Daji and the 213 Forward Operating Base in Katsina State noted that the deployment of the Quick Response Wing is aimed at maintaining a strong military presence in vulnerable communities amidst banditry and other criminal activities.

A statement on Tuesday September 17, 2024, from the NAF Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information Kabiru Ali, a Group Captain, quoted the Chief of Air Staff as underscoring the need for a comprehensive strategy towards achieving lasting peace in all the security challenged areas

Air Marshall Abubakar noted that kinetic actions alone in the fight against insurgency and terrorism cannot eliminate the scourge completely.

He assured the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, and the people of the commitment of NAF to  provide adequate protection for the people particularly farmers,whose activities have suffered untold set back as a result of banditry and other criminal activities.

The Chief of Air Staff highlighted the significant progress so far made in securing the state ,noting that the recent planting season was largely free from interference from bandits ,a feat attributed to the Governor’s robust security measures .

The COS assured Governor Radda of the NAF’s continued support in protecting farmers during the upcoming harvest season, and emphasized the importance of safe and productive agricultural activities to the Katsina state economy.

While appreciating the NAF promise to enhance security around farmers, Governor Radda, expressed the optimism that Service will continue to collaborate with the State Government to safeguard the lives and properties of the entire residents.

The Katsina State Governor, noted that the planned enhanced military presence would no doubt provide an enabling environment for the growth of farming and other economic activities in the State.