Buhari authorizes deployment of airpower against bandits in Niger state
- President Buhari has ordered airstrikes against bandits in Kaduna, Niger and Kaduna states
- Bandits have held the states hostage in the last few weeks killing locals in the rural communities
- A statement from the presidency suggests the lack of motorized roads in the areas constantly under attack makes air raid the viable option
President Muhammadu Buhari has authorized the deployment of air power against bandits attacking Niger state in the last few weeks.
A statement by presidential spokesman Garba Shehu revealed that the president has received assurances that with the harmattan dust gradually easing, fighter aircraft would soon join the efforts to provide effective air attacks against the bandits.
The bandits' have in the past few weeks, had a field day attacking remote communities around Dogon Gona forest in Niger state.
Source: Twitter
The senator representing Niger East senatorial district, Mohammed Sani Musa had raised alarm over the incessant killings of his constituents by the bandits.
In a statement, he signed recently, the lawmaker described as unfortunate the fresh attacks in the area from Tuesday, January 14 which left two persons, including a village head dead while over 30 persons were abducted.
Buhari described the repeated attacks leading to the losses of several lives in the communities “as a disaster for the nation.”
PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app
The statement revealed the police command in the state has also given assurances that the planned air raids to will complement the police helicopter gunship operations in the ara.
The lack of motorized roads in the areas constantly under attack makes air raid the viable option.
President Buhari commiserated with the government and people of Niger following the attacks and loss of lives, assuring the victims that they will not be abandoned.
Some Nigerians on social media have been reacting to the directive.
Sadeeq Shehu wrote: Good one BUT please let information reach all villages in the area ahead of any air bombardment.....to avoid collateral damage.
Engr Esther Ukpo Udochukwu wrote: Why publicize the planned strategy of the airstrike? Are we as Nigerians that dumb? Pls restrategize and this time disclose only to those involved in the security duties!!
Omon Israel wrote: The insecurities (Banditry and kidnapping) in Shiroro LGA and Rafi LGA happen on a daily basis. The FG must triple this effort before these demons run into other LGA's in Niger.
Waapera TiMz Lubem wrote: Deploy that airpower for Boko Haram, they are executing innocent lives there every day.
Shuaibu Misa wrote: You are planning attacks against your enemy and you are broadcasting it so that the bandits should wait for u there to come and attack them. What manner of people do we have in government?
Hassan Tayyib wrote: The situation of Borno state is deteriorating, you should urgently have to do the needful thing there too.
Umar Musa wrote: What about North East..? Or are we no longer considerable again..!
Recall that on Wednesday, January 8, bandits attacked a town in Munya local government area of Niger state kidnapping the chief imam of Beni central mosque, Mallam Umar Mohammed.
Apart from the Islamic cleric, at least 20 other residents were kidnapped and taken away by the bandits.
In its reaction, the state governor described the attack as saddening and unfortunate. Governor Bello in a statement by his spokesperson, Mary Noel Berje, suggested a fresh approach by the security agencies in addressing the frequent attacks.
Meanwhile, as Nigeria continues to battle insecurity across the country, governors of the six north-central states have concluded plans to kick-start the framework for effective community policing to tackle the issues in the region.
The decision was taken in Lafia, the Nasarawa state capital, at the just concluded Northcentral Security Summit where all the governors in the region were present.
NAIJ.com (naija.ng) - Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better
Nigerians protest over killing of three policemen in Taraba | Legit TV
Source: Legit.ng
