TheCable

The Nigerian air force (NAF) has deployed some of its troops and fighter aircraft to Jos, Plateau state capital.

Olatokunbo Adesanya, NAF director of public relations and information, who disclosed this on Thursday, said the development was a directive from President Muhammadu Buhari.

He added the deployment was to prevent reprisal attacks from the residents, which “would escalate the conflict”.

On Monday, suspected herdsmen killed  2o people in the state.

“We have deployed some air assets and personnel to Jos to support Operation Safe Haven to maintain peace and curtail senseless killings as well as the possible spread of violence in some parts of the state,” Adesanya said.

“The deployment was ordered by the chief of the air staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, in compliance with the directive of the president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Muhammadu Buhari, to ensure that an end is put to the current spate of violence and killings in the state.

“The deployment is also to ensure the prevention of reprisal attacks, which could escalate the conflict.

“The deployed NAF assets include the L-39ZA aircraft and the EC-135 helicopter, which are to provide necessary air cover to the surface forces participating in the operation in the state.”