The Nigeria Air force has denied a report by the Wall Street Journal that it paid N20m as ransom to bandits in exchange for an anti-aircraft gun seized from the Nigerian Army. The Wall Street Journal reported that the NAF made a deal with the bandits on time for as the President of Nigeria, General Muhammadu Buhari was planning a visit to his home state of Katsina and it would be risky to leave the weapon with the bandits.
The Wall Street Journal leaked that the money was delivered to the bandits in Rugu forest by an NAF officer who leaked details of the operation under anonymity.
However, the NAF has issued a statement that the report is false. “The NAF wishes to categorically state that there is absolutely no iota of truth in the spurious allegation that was undoubtedly designed to cast aspersions on the good image of the service.” Spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said.
