Nigerian Air Force deploys additional aircrafts to the South-South Region, to tackle militancy & economic sabotage

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed additional aircrafts to the South-South region, in support of the fight against militancy, economic sabotage and all forms of criminalities. The deployment which is in support of 'Operation PULO SHIELD', was necessitated by the recent attacks by militant group - 'Niger Delta Avengers', on the Nation’s oil and gas installations. The additional platforms, comprising of fighter aircraft, helicopter gunship and surveillance aircraft, are intended to enhance the capability of the Air Force to undertake offensive air operations and intelligence gathering in support of the surfaces forces.

Since the recent deployment, there has been an increase in air operations around critical infrastructure in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States. These include but not limited to Escravos, Forcados in Delta State; Bonga oil field, Agbami offshore and Brass in Bayelsa; Bony in Rivers; Qua Iboe Terminal in Akwa Ibom State, and Opuekeba in Ondo State.

The Nigerian Airforce, as part of efforts towards coping with the dynamism of emerging security threats, have also adopted a new concept of base defence to protect its air assets and critical installations. NAF urges members of the public not to panic at the sight of low level flying aircraft and to go about their legitimate businesses. Anyone with information about the whereabouts and activities on the militant group, can also reach out to them or other security forces.