The Nigerian Air Force has deployed 390 of its personnel as part of its contribution to the Joint Task Force fighting the northeast counter terrorism war.
They are to relieve another set of 390 of their colleagues upon completion of a six months operation with the land army in the theatre of operations code named “Operation Lafiya Dole.
Air component commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole, Air Commodore Charles Ohwo, explained that apart from the air operations conducted, the Air Force also supports the ground forces.
According to him, the troop rotation commenced on Friday with a total of 390 Nigeria Air Force personnel involved in the northeast counter terrorism operations.
“For those of you who are just coming you will be deployed to the 7 DIV Garrison where your further deployment will be fine.
There are different sectors under which we operate; administratively you are under us, operationally you will be under the army for the period of the next six months.
What is expected of you is high discipline that the Nigerian Air Force is known for. Maintain your rules of engagement and make sure you stay out of trouble.
If you have administrative issues or problems get across to us through the normal channels the group admin officer will attend to you.”
The outgoing JTF personnel have been in the theatre of operation since May 2016 and the commander said he was impressed by their conduct while on the frontline.
Ohwo expressed happiness that all 390 personnel were returning to their various units intact without any casualty recorded in the course of their operations.
The personnel were extracted from units under the five Tactical Commands of the Nigerian Air Force.