Authorities of the Nigerian
Airforce on Sunday debunked allegations that the NAF paid the dum of #20million
to bandits operating in Jibia, Katsina State with a view to recovering an
anti-aircraft gun from the bandits to prevent its use in bringing down fighter
aircraft.
A statement by Air Commodore
Edward Gabkwet, Director of NAF Public Relations and Information titled ‘NAF
Did Not Make Any Payment To Bandits In Exchange For Weapons’ made this known.
It said, “The attention of the
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been drawn to news reports circulating on some
media platforms alleging that the NAF, through one of its personnel, paid the
sum of N20 Million to armed bandits operating in Jibia Local Government Area
(LGA) of Katsina State in exchange for an anti-aircraft gun allegedly seized.
“The report went on to state that
the reason behind the payment was to retrieve the anti-aircraft gun which, it
alleged, the NAF feared could be used against aircraft operating within Katsina
State.
“The NAF wishes to categorically
state that there is absolutely no iota of truth in the spurious allegation that
was undoubtedly designed to cast aspersions on the good image of the Service.
“The said report is totally
false. It should therefore be taken as fake news and disregarded.
“Indeed, we ordinarily would not
have responded to such baseless and utterly illogical allegation but for the
need to set the record straight as well as reaffirm the NAF’s unflinching
commitment to decisively dealing with the armed bandits and all other criminal
elements ‘in the Country in partnership with other services of the Armed Forces
and other security Agencies.’
“For the avoidance of doubt, it
must be stated that there is no basis for the NAF to pay bandits or any
criminal elements that it has continued to attack and decimate in Katsina
State, other parts of the North-West as well as other Theatres of Operation in
the Country.
“Indeed, as recent as 12 October
2021, NAF aircraft conducted 5 missions in the Jibia general area and engaged
targets with rockets and cannons at Bala Wuta bandits’ locations in Kadaoji.
“Similar successes were recorded
at Fakai Dutsin Anfare, an area in Jibia LGA known for its high incidences of
bandits’ activities.
“The false reportage, therefore,
begs the question as to why the NAF would negotiate for a weapon allegedly
seized and still carry out air interdiction missions on the same bandits and
their strongholds.
“The NAF is of the view that this
latest false report could be a part of a campaign to further the cause of
insecurity in Nigeria by elements who see the NAF as a threat following series
of successful exploits in operations against criminal gangs.
“Perhaps, this provides an avenue
for the NAF to yet again appeal to members of the media, both local and
international, as well as social media, to be circumspect in their reportage
and endeavour to always verify their facts before going public.
“The public is enjoined to
disregard the falsehood emanating from some sections of the social and
mainstream media. The NAF also uses this opportunity to call on citizens to
continue to cooperate with security agencies as efforts are ongoing to rid the
entire Nation of criminals and their activities.
“On our part, the NAF, as a
professional and disciplined force, will not in any way be discouraged from
carrying out its mandate to rid the entire North-West Nigeria of banditry and
other forms of criminality.
“We remain resolute in performing
our function and will continue to work in synergy with other sister Services
and security agencies to rid the Country of all criminal elements.”
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