Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, who serves as the Chief of Air Staff, has provided a detailed explanation regarding the deployment of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft to Gombe amidst the recent #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
In a comprehensive statement issued on Saturday, Air Marshal Abubakar clarified that the decision to deploy the aircraft was made due to the situation becoming increasingly problematic. According to Abubakar, the protest,
Which initially aimed at addressing governance issues, had unfortunately been overtaken by individuals with malicious intentions. This turn of events made it imperative for the authorities to act swiftly and enhance security measures in the area.
The statement was delivered by AVM Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, during a significant meeting with Gombe’s Governor, Inuwa Yahaya.
Gabkwet outlined that Abubakar addressed the severe destruction of lives and property that occurred as a result of the protest. He emphasized that due to the protest being hijacked by unscrupulous elements, there was an urgent need for additional security interventions to ensure public safety and restore order.
As part of the response, the Nigerian Air Force decided to deploy an aircraft for reconnaissance missions. This aircraft was tasked with surveying Gombe and its surrounding areas to provide real-time information on the evolving situation. Meanwhile, Regiment Forces were mobilized and worked in coordination with other security agencies to manage and quell the unrest effectively.
This deployment aimed to bring about a more controlled and safer environment, helping to mitigate further damage and protect the residents of Gombe from the chaos that had erupted. The actions taken were deemed necessary to address the urgent security concerns and restore normalcy in the state.
