Airforce deploys air assets to support Operation Python Dance

– The Air Force deployed some of its air asset for the Operation Python Dance

– It said this was to provide air support to the ground troops

– It said this was its constitutional mandate to protect the country

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed some of its air assets to support the army in the ongoing EGWU EKE II (Python Dance II).

In a statement released through its Facebook page on Tuesday, September 19, the Air Force said it was providing support to ground troops in the ongoing operation.

It also explained that it is one of its constitutional mandate as the operation is aimed at combating security challenges in the country.

Read statement below:

In line with its commitment to national peace and security, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed some of its air assets, including the Alpha Jet aircraft, to its 115 Special Operations Group in Port Harcourt, to support the ongoing Nigerian Army’s Exercise EGWU EKE II (PYTHON DANCE II).

The essence of the deployment is to provide the necessary air cover to the ground troops to enhance overall operational cohesion and efficiency.

It would be recalled the operation began officially on 15 September 2017 and was planned to cover the entire South East Region of the country. The wide expanse of the exercise area and the request by the Nigerian Army for close air support made the involvement of the NAF inevitable. Exercise EGWU EKE II is aimed at combatting security challenges in the Southeastern part of the country. The deployment of the air assets in support of the Nigerian Army is thus in fulfillment of one of the constitutional mandates of the NAF.