NAF debunks social media report of `dropping weapons’ in Enugu community

By Moses Oyediran, Enugu   

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says that recent social media reports alleging that its training helicopters are dropping weapons in Akwuke Forest in Enugu state was false and lies told by mischief-makers.

Acting Command Public Relations and Information Officer of headquarters NAF Ground Training Command, Enugu, Flight Lieutenant Faith Aigbeoghain, in a statement on Sunday in Enugu debunked the social media falsehood.

Aigbeoghain said: “The attention of headquarters Ground Training Command 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 purport 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 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.’’

According to her, the headquarters of Ground Training Command wishes 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. These are the International Helicopter Flying School and 405 Helicopter Combat Training Group 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 Helicopter Combat Training Group 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.

The NAF command spokesperson said that NAF, as a professional fighting force, remains 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.