……as HQ sets up committee on accidental bombing
Nigerian Air Force Augusta LUH and Beechrats jets have begun air surveillance over Gambia in preparation for military action.
The Nation’s reliable source who is embedded with Nigerian forces said the mood of the troops is upbeat and ready.
The troops are currently at Base Aeriene Amee De L’air Senegal where they are supporting other countries to plan logistics in case of a military action.
The source said: “Troops deployed by other countries are stationed in different locations, particularly close to the border between senegal and Gambia for easy advancement in the event of any call for military action.
“We learnt that some diplomatic stuffs are still ongoing, but if it failed there may be deployment of troops and possible air strike on the logistics base of the Jammeh. For now, the land and air component are on full alert and standby.
” The morale of the troops is high with expectation to quell and insurrection in Gambia while our Air assets conducting surveillance over Gambia and neighbouring countries,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has constituted a board of senior officers to investigate the accidental air strike on 17 January 2017 at Rann, Borno State.
Among its terms of reference, the Board is to determine the immediate and remote causes as well as the circumstances that led to the incident.
This is with a view to forestall future occurrence. In addition to a list of 20 witnesses given to it, the Board is free to invite other persons to give evidence on oath. The Board is to submit its report not later than 2 February 2017.
The 6-man Board is headed by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force (HQ NAF), Air Vice Marshal Salihu Bala-Ribah. Other members are: Air Vice Marshal Charles Oghomwen, Air Commodore Ayoola Jolasinmi, Group Captain Essien Efanga, Wing Commander Solomon Irmiya and Wing Commander Mohammed Muazu.
