The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has confirmed that no fewer than 28 suspected terrorists were on Thursday killed in an airstrike operation in Shirorro local government area of Niger State
He disclosed this on Friday in Sokoto where he assured the people of the state that insecurity will soon be over in Sokoto and other Northwest states.
Abubakar, while speaking in his remarks at the state Government House, also said his personnel, Operation Whirlpunch killed no fewer than 28 terrorist during airstrike in Shiroro local government area of Niger State.
The Air Chief said terrorists operating in the region are leaving on borrowed time as the Nigeria military has step up their operation to restore sanity in all the troubled areas in the country.
He said the Nigeria Air Force would soon get some air capabilities to Sokoto to enhance the fight against terrorists and other criminal activities in the northwest.
“Despite the fact that I learnt the governor will be traveling, I still decided to embark on this visit to show our unwavering support to the people of the state, especially as the state faces unprecedented challenges
“Our visit to this place today is to demonstrate and assure the people of Sokoto State and the leadership of the state, as you are aware, during those constitutional crisis that affects Niger Republic, the units play a critical role to maintain peace.
“Today, our presence here is to display our operation readiness of the units performance and efficiency.
“I will like to use this opportunity to thank the governor for his one year in office. I equally want to appreciate the governor for your support to the Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Airforce.
“The priority given to the security men in the last one year had resulted in more conducive environment to improve the socio economic growth in the state.
“I also appreciate your Excellency for the patrol vehicles to all security agencies including the Nigerian Airforce and pray that your tenure will guarantee a more prosperous one for the people of the state”
He further condemned the recent killing of District Head of Gatawa in Sabon Birni local government area of the state, as well as those who have lost their loved ones.
“Let me repeat this, such criminals have no stay in our society and we will not relent in our efforts to flush out all the bad eggs.
“I can assure you that insecurity in the Northwest and that of Sokoto State in particular is one of the top priority on my agenda”
Responding, the state deputy governor, Muhammad Idris Gobir, commend the Air Marshal for his visit to the state. He said the the administration of Ahmed Aliyu will continue to support the efforts of security agencies in the state in the discharge of their duties.