The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said a recent social media report claiming that NAF training helicopters are “dropping weapons” in Akwuke Forest in Enugu state was “total falsehood and lies by mischief-makers”.
The Acting Public Relations and Information Officer of NAF Ground Training Command (GTC), Enugu, Flight Lieutenant, Faith Aigbeoghain in a statement on Sunday in Enugu said: “The attention of Headquarters GTC of Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Enugu has been drawn to a 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 low level and landing in the forest area to ‘discharge their packages’.”
She explained that the headquarters of GTC wished to state that the report is deliberately misleading and obviously concocted by the writer to cause disaffection and incite negative divisive emotions among Nigerians.
She further explained that it must be 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.
“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.
She said: “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 that 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 added.
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