On Saturday, September 2, the Nigerian Air Force said it had foiled an attempt by Boko Haram insurgents to destablize the peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration in Borno.
Sadiq Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, disclosed that the Air Force in a joint operation with the army had destroyed insurgents’ hideouts thereby scuttling their plans to attack communities during the festivities.
According to NAN, Mr Abubakar then held a grand feast for officers and men of the service at the 105 Composite Group, Maiduguri for service men carrying out the counter-insurgency operation in the North-east, as part of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
He said: “Boko Haram insurgents planned to destabilise the Sallah celebration, but with help of the Almighty Allah and our collective efforts, we foiled their plans.
“Our objective is to protect life and property, safeguard the national territorial integrity and make our communities safe so that farmers can go back to their settlements and cultivate their farmlands.
“We will remain in the forest to protect our people. The insurgents are on the run due to concerted military efforts; the only option left for them is to surrender.”
He also congratulated the men and officers of the service for their dedication and gallantry, saying that Nigerians were proud of their achievements.
The air chief then spoke on arrangements for the training of air force personnel within and outside the country, to strengthen defence operations.
“We are sending some service men for training in Jordan.
“We are committed to providing logistics, uniforms and ammunition to counter terrorism while construction of housing is in progress to provide decent accommodation for officers and men serving in the counter-insurgency campaign,” he explained.
In conclusion, Mr Abubakar urged officers and men of the service to remain disciplined, display high sense of professionalism and respect civilians in the discharge of their duties.
In his opinion, the collaboration between the service and the vigilante group had helped to strengthen security in the area.
“The service donated two cows to the vigilante group to enable them to celebrate Sallah.
“There is mutual understanding between the service and the host community,” he said.
According to reports, the terrorists sneaked into the camp and murdered at least 18 youths at about 11 pm and forcefully took away many others, including young girls and women.
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