The Nigerian Air Force ( NAF ) has joined the ongoing Operation Python Dance in the South-East and had deployed its fighter jet in the region.
The NAF said its deployment of “air assets” to the operation was based on a request by the army and in line with its constitutional mandate to ensure national peace and security.
This was confirmed by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the Alpha Jet was deployed and would operate from the air force 115 Special Operations Group, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“The essence of the deployment is to provide the necessary air cover for the ground troops to enhance overall operational cohesion and efficiency. The wide expanse of the exercise area and the request by the Nigerian Army for close air support made the involvement of the NAF inevitable.
“The deployment of the air assets in support of the Nigerian Army is thus in fulfilment of one of the constitutional mandates of the NAF.”
Source:( Punch Newspaper )