In an effort to support more effective security measures along the Kaduna-Abuja Highway, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conducted a “Show of Force” Exercise in Katari village, one of the identified criminal hotspots along the Route.
The exercise, which combined aerial and ground operations by NAF Special Forces (SF) and Regiment personnel, is intended to send a stern warning signal to criminal elements, that the NAF and other security agencies are ready to engage them both from the air and on ground to frustrate their nefarious activities.
Two armed helicopters, along with 50 fully armed personnel, were deployed for the exercise, which simulated a rummage where the SF stormed a criminal hideout and arrested some suspects who were flown away for further interrogation.
The Team Leader and Commanding Officer of the Regiment Wing, 453 Base Services Group NAF Kaduna, Wing Commander Leonard Onugha, while addressing the men after the exercise, said the NAF, in collaboration with other security agencies, is doing all it can to ensure a safe corridor for commuters who ply the Kaduna-Abuja Highway.
He therefore urged all well meaning Nigerians to go about their legitimate businesses and report any suspicious activities or persons to the security agencies.
Certain portions of Kaduna-Abuja Highway have been susceptible to the activities of armed robbers and kidnappers, who randomly attack and kidnap commuters for ransom and rituals.
In compliance with the directives of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, the NAF, as part of its constitutional role of providing aid to Civil Authority, will sustain aerial surveillance and armed vehicular patrols along the Highway and Rail line to consolidate ongoing efforts to ensure safe travels for law-abiding citizens.
IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force