Mariam Sanni
The Nigerian Airforce has emphasized the need for non-kinetic operations to address the root causes of criminal activities, such as unemployment and poverty, to reduce illegal refining and kidnapping.
This was disclosed by Commander, 115 Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Group Captain Abdulhafeez Opaleye in a chat with the defence correspondents during a media tour in Port Harcourt.
He explained the importance of non-kinetic operations in addressing the root causes of security issues, such as unemployment and poverty.
He stressed the role of the government in supporting non-kinetic operations to prevent people from returning to criminal activities .
He highlighted the success of current operations in reducing crude oil theft and kidnapping activities.
According to him, there is need for a comprehensive approach to address the causes of security issues , including government support and employment opportunities.
“The non kinetic operation is what it’s more on the government side. Now, in my opinion, because right now we tell you that crude oil production is on the highest level now. But again, there are so many people that are unemployed. If, after a while, they don’t get anything, what do they do? Again, they make old whole and go back .
“So this period that we are achieving more that the military is pounding is also the right time for the non kinetic lines of operation to be activated. Soak up these guys. Get them skills, employ them, they will be unable to go back to the creeks.
“By the time you do that, and you are also pushing pressure from the military side, what happens will reduce the number of people that will go back, “ he said .
Speaking on civil- military relations, he described the success of open day event, which saw a large number of people visiting the base.
The event aimed to strengthen civil-military relations and provide the public with a deeper appreciation of the Nigerian Air Force’s role in national security.
He stated that Attendees were given tours of operational units and aircraft, showcasing the Air Force’s capabilities.
Furthermore, while speaking on the activities and operations , he asserted that night operations are more effective than daytime operations, keeping criminals on the move.
He highlighted the impact of night operations on the economy of the state, with a decline in illegal activities leading to a reduction in social spending
The commander stated that the effectiveness of night operations in deterring criminal activities is attributed to the increased presence of the military.
