There has been tremendous improvement in the fight against insurgency in the country following the sharing of useful information between security agencies and the public, says Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet.
Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) , said this on Thursday while addressing newsmen at the Logistics Command, Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja.
According to the NAF’s spokesman, the war against insurgency is not a war that only the military can win.
“If we do not get the needed information from people that live around the communities and areas that had been attacked by the criminals, then it becomes very difficult for the military to aunch any attack on suspected insurgents.
“Also, our intelligence agencies have been working very hard to get us good information that we have been putting into play.
“However, the most important factor are the locals and I must say that there has been a lot of change of attitudes from them which had led to a lot of successes that we have been recording these days,” he said.
Gabkwet said that the Nigerian Air Force in conjunction with the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy was doing absolutely well in prosecuting the war against insurgency and banditry.
“Some of the terrorists have started surrendering willingly. This is a clear indication that the operation embarked upon by the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against insurgency is really winning,” the Air Commodore said.
Gabkwet said that President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration had been very supportive to the Nigerian Air Force and that had been yielding positive results in the last three years.
“As at the last count, we have over 30 brand new aircraft that have been purchased for the service.
“These platforms alongside well trained engineers and pilots have gone a long way in ensuring that we remain relevant with regards to our operations.
“We have also been fortunate that the Federal Government has supported us in revamping those fleet that had been grounded in the past,” he said