Military Acquires Russian Fighter Jets, Set For Lagos Creeks Bombing

The military has revealed its plan to bomb militant hideouts in the Ikorodu axis of Lagos State as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) takes delivery of two new Russian Mi-35M fighter jets.

The NAF says it will be launching the aerial offensive on Isawo creeks and its surroundings through the Operation Awatse.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, who confirmed the recent development however declined requests to reveal further specifics on the said operation.

“Just be patient with us. You don’t have to jump the gun. I have heard about the incident. We have information at the strategic level, which cannot go out yet,” he told PUNCH.

“The Operation Awatse by the Armed Forces is aimed at curbing pipeline vandalism and petroleum products-related criminality with negative socio-economic consequence for the country.

“It is ongoing. Surveillance is key to the success of the military in this operation, which is based on accurate and timely intelligence. In this regard, the general public around Lagos and Ogun states in particular are very useful for more successes in this operation.”

Another top NAF officer who spoke in confidence said of the acquisition, “I can confirm to you that the NAF has acquired two new Russian Mi-35M fighter jets, which could be deployed for this operation. The jets will be inducted into the inventory during the NAF anniversary next week.

“It doesn’t cost the military any efforts to bomb the creeks again. It is a big possibility now. But we want to put proper logistics in place to avoid an episode like the Rann camp in Borno State,” the source said.