The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, on Thursday, says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is more than ever committed to ensuring a safer and more secure Nigeria.
Abubakar stated this during the inauguration of one block of six flat single officers and a medical centre at 271 NAF Detachment in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State.
The Air Chief was represented by Chief of Logistics, NAF Headquarters, AVM Muhammad Yakubu.
“I have constantly sought to evolve strategies that would enable the Service adequately project air power to effectively and efficiently deal with prevalent security threats.”
He explained that the inauguration marks a culmination of his administration’s goals aimed at enhancing human capacity for efficient performance.
“Let me again reiterate that the crucial role of 271 NAF Det in the evolving security challenges in the North Western part of the country, underscores the need for a robust structure that could conduct independent operations as well as provide the needed support towards combating insecurity.
“It is in recognition of the pivotal role that the human component plays in attaining the expected outcome of 271 NAF Det that the NAF put in place facilities that would ensure their comfort and enhance operational efficiency.”
He stressed that NAF air offensives in the on-going military campaigns in Zamfara, Niger and Katsina states have so far, contributed greatly to the achievements of the Nigerian military’s offensive against banditry.
”However, this is not the time to relent. We have to continue fighting until all the local communities are free to live their normal lives.
”It is our duty to professionally protect our dear Country from banditry, terrorism and militancy,” he said.
Abubakar expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his support to the Armed Forces.
On the new facilities, Abubakar it was provided in line with his vision of ensuring that personnel welfare was given utmost priority.
The Air Chief reiterated his commitment to ensure that accommodation problems are resolved as they arises.
”I therefore encourage my officers and men to embrace the highest level of professionalism and regimentation in your daily conducts, ” Abubakar said .
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Special Operation Command, AVM Charles Ohwo, said the inauguration was a clear demonstration of an all encompassing leadership whose desire is to bequeath a professional Air Force.
Ohwo, who was represented by AOC Air Training Command Kaduna, AVM Musa Mukhtar, said that the Special Operations Command was fully committed to the ongoing fight against banditry and has been recording tremendous successes.
“The 271 NAF Det has been pivotal in the fight against banditry in the North West,” Ohwo said.
