Killings: NAF Deploys Fighter Jets, Helicopter in Jos

By Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Following renewed killings in Jos, Plateau State, the Nigerian Air Force has deployed a fighter jet, helicopter and surveillance aircraft in the state.

 The deployment, it said, was in support of efforts aimed at quelling the crisis that erupted following the killing of 19 people by unknown gunmen the state.

 “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed an EC-135 helicopter and an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft along with an additional detachment of NAF regiment personnel to the state in support of efforts aimed at quelling the crisis that recently erupted in the state and restoring normalcy.

 “The deployment of the ISR aircraft is expected to enhance intelligence gathering while the helicopter would conduct air support missions in close coordination with surface forces of Operation Safe Haven.

 “Meanwhile, NAF L-39 fighter aircraft, operating from Kano, have commenced armed reconnaissance missions over known flash points within the state.

“Other NAF air assets are also available at other nearby airfields to provide additional support to hasten the process of restoring normalcy in the state,” a statement by Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said.