The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has introduced additional measures aimed at increasing its operational capability in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast.

In a statement in Abuja on Saturday, the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya said that the measures included the deployment of additional NAF Special Forces and personnel of the Regiment Specialty to reinforce Base security.

Adesanya said the personnel would fight alongside the Nigerian Army troops and NAF Special Forces that were already on ground.

He explained: “NAF has also deployed thermal imaging cameras aimed at adding more value to the current efforts at detecting and checkmating the activities of suicide bombers before they carry out their suicide missions.

“This follows the spate of suicide bombings that have been recently recorded in Maiduguri.

“The thermal imaging camera uses infrared and reads temperature differences up to an appreciable distance away and can identify a person at an acceptable distance.

“The cameras, which are mounted on NAF aircraft, can also penetrate obscurants such as smoke, fog and haze.”

Adesanya said the service had in recent times stepped up its counter-insurgency operations to further decimate the ability of the insurgents in the North-East.

He said: “The focus has largely been the conduct of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions as well as interdiction missions on identified Boko Haram targets.”

Adesanya disclosed that the measure was in addition to range of other air operations and humanitarian intervention schemes, aimed at winning the heart and minds of the populace in the conflict areas.

He expressed NAF’s appreciation for the support it enjoyed from Nigerians in its efforts at putting an end to the activities of the insurgents in the North-East. (NAN)

Update news