‘The End Is Near, We Will Finish Banditry Soon’ – Defence Minister Boasts As NAF Gets ATAK-129 Helicopters From FG

The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, has expressed confidence that Nigeria would soon win the total war against bandits and banditry in the country.

The assurance was given on Monday in Katsina State during the induction of two additional ATAK-129 Helicopters into Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 2 at the Airport Wing of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

According to Badaru, the recent victories against bandits have shown that the end of banditry is near if the current onslaught by the security agencies can be sustained.

While appreciating the military personnel and other security agents for their personal sacrifices in the war against bandits, terrorists and other criminals, the Minister assured them of continued government support in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

The Minister was accompanied by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, to induct the additional helicopters.

He explained that the two additional helicopters have an advantage over other fighter jets to ensure that no enemy can hide from justice and were deployed to defeat bandits and other criminal elements that undermine the peace, stability and prosperity of the Northwest Region.

“We salute you for the personal sacrifice you have been making, leaving behind your families and comfort of your homes to secure our collective future.

“We are grateful, we will remain committed to provide you and your families the necessary resources in ensuring that you receive the best incentives and other benefits.

“With the induction of these new critical platforms, and the quality of officers and men operating them, I am confident that it will make Nigerians proud. Together, we will dominate the battle space and achieve successful results.

“The unique set of the air components deployed, has capacity. It speeds, reaches, precision to ensure that no enemy can hide from justice. And the long arm of the law will reach those who want to destroy our peace.

“I urge you to synergize with ground forces and other stakeholders to ensure maximum effect. Be fast towards safer and strong Nigeria. Synergy must remain the watchword to enable us defeat the enemies of the country.

“I am satisfied with the recent efforts made by the troops. We have seen tremendous success in the last one week where several Bandits’ hideouts were destroyed as a result of various platforms deployed. And if this continues we will finish banditry soon.

“We assure them of Federal Government readiness to continue to support them and their families.

“The end is near. We need maximum cooperation, intelligence and prayers from the public”, he noted.