The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has denied the allegation that its helicopters were dropping weapons in Akwuke Forest, Enugu State for herdsmen’s use.
The force, speaking through Faith Aigbeoghain, acting Public Relations and Information Officer of NAF Ground Training Command (GTC) in Enugu State, said: “The attention of Headquarters GTC of Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Enugu has been drawn to social media and online story being circulated by some mischievous and misguided elements.
“The mischievous elements purported that NAF helicopters were being used to ‘drop weapons’ for Fulani herdsmen in the forest area of Akwuke community in Enugu South local government area (LGA) in Enugu state.
“The report alleged that helicopters had been seen on several occasions flying at a low level and landing in the forest area to ‘discharge their packages’.”
She explained that the report was “deliberately misleading and obviously concocted by the writer to cause disaffection and incite negative divisive emotions among Nigerians”.
She noted that NAF has two helicopter training institutions under its purview, which have been operating in Enugu for several years.
Aigbeoghain said that these are International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS) and 405 Helicopter Combat Training Group (405 HCTG), whose training curricula include low-level flying around the forest areas near Akukwe, which is one of their designated training areas.
She added, “In particular, the 405 HCTG commenced tactical training on the newly acquired 109 Power Helicopters on May 24, 2019, which includes low-level flying as well as other manoeuvres requiring them to land and take off within the training area.
“However, at no time was any NAF helicopter used to ‘drop’ any materials, let alone deliver weapons to any individual or group.
“Members of the public, especially residents of Enugu state, are therefore advised to discountenance the fake report and go about their normal activities without fear.”
She said NAF as a professional fighting force, remained resolute in performing its constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of a united Nigeria.
“Accordingly, we shall continue to work assiduously, in synergy with sister services and other security agencies, to rid the country of all criminal elements in order to enable all Nigerians pursue their legitimate aspirations,” she stated.
