Military Deploys 1,300 Special Forces In Zamfara, Benue.

The Nigerian Air Force has deployed 1,300 Special Forces in Zamfara and Benue states to stop bloodletting.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who confirmed the deployment of the Special Forces at the NAF First Quarter Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, said the Augusta 109 would soon be delivered into the inventory.

The CAS added that while 1,000 airmen were moved to Zamfara to tackle banditry, 300 were sent to Benue to halt renewed violence in the state.

The Special Forces are expected to be visible on Zamfara-Sokoto-Kaduna road.

Abubakar said, “We have trained over 1,000 Special Forces elements that are contributing significantly in dealing with the issue of insecurity in Zamfara State. We have another 300 Special Forces elements in Benue State under Operation Whirl Stroke, which is coordinated by the Defence Headquarters.

“We also have units inTaraba State where we have a Quick Response Wing as well as in Agatu, Benue State. The idea of having these wings is to make sure that they ensure security and work in tandem with other security agencies.”

He said the service had reactivated more air assets to deliver better air power.

“We are reactivating five aircraft, three L-39 helicopters, and some helicopters are being overhauled. By September we will have three helicopters back to flying,” he said.