By Olukayode Michael, Maiduguri
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of two Agusta 109 Power attack helicopters, which are currently being assembled for induction during the forthcoming 2019 NAF Day Celebration taking place in Abuja from 27 – 29 April 2019.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, disclosed this on Monday, in Maiduguri during lunch with troops of the Air Task Force (ATF) Operation LAFIYA DOLE (OPLD) to mark the Easter Celebrations.
The lunch, which is in keeping
with the CAS’ tradition of celebrating festive periods with frontline troops,
afforded him the opportunity to interact with the troops in an informal setting
to appreciate them for their sacrifices in the fight against insurgency,
thereby boosting their morale and to fill the void created by their inability
to celebrate the season with their families.
In his remarks at the event, the CAS expressed delight to be in Maiduguri and
commended the resilience and commitment of the troops in ensuring that Nigeria
and Nigerians are safe. He said the NAF, with the support of the
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as
the National Assembly, would continue to acquire new platforms and build human
capacity whilst ensuring the welfare of personnel, in order to effectively and
efficiently respond to national security imperatives. He specially commended
the Commander, officers, airmen and airwomen of the ATF for the successes
recorded in the fight against the terrorists within the OPLD Theatre as well as
in the Multi-National Joint Task Force Operation YANCIN TAFKI. He equally commended
the ATF Commander for the various value adding welfare projects that had been
executed to enhance the wellbeing of personnel. The CAS reminded the personnel
that so much was at stake in the fight to rid the Nation of insurgents,
terrorists, armed bandits and other criminal elements. Accordingly, he urged
them to remain resolute while intensifying their efforts and maintaining
continuous vigilance to defend the liberties and values Nigerians hold so dear.
Air Marshal Abubakar seized the opportunity to thank the government and people
of Borno State as well as the Shehu of Borno and other traditional rulers in
the State for their continued support to the NAF through the ATF OPLD. He
equally appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching support to
the NAF by ensuring the enabling environment and providing the necessary
resources for the Service to perform its assigned duties. He noted that the
delivery of the 2 Agusta 109 Power attack helicopters was a testimony of this
immense support. He remarked that the NAF, working in concert with sister
Services and other security agencies, would continue to reciprocate by
sustaining its operations, not only in the Northeast but also in the Northwest,
in order to ensure that Nigerians are able to pursue their legitimate
aspirations, without fear.
Earlier in his welcome address, the ATF Commander, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) James
Gwani, expressed the appreciation of the officers and men of the ATF to the CAS
for his consistent presence in Maiduguri, which he said, was not only a huge
source of motivation, but also a staunch indication of his commitment to the
welfare and morale of the personnel. He thanked the CAS for providing all
necessary facilities to ensure effective service delivery and pledged their
unwavering loyalty and commitment towards ensuring mission accomplishment.
Branch Chiefs and other senior officers from Headquarters NAF accompanied the
CAS to the luncheon, which also had the Lawan of Gomari and other members of
the Gomari Community in attendance.
In a similar vein, the CAS had earlier feted ATF troops in Yola at an Easter
Luncheon on 21 April 2019. The CAS, who was represented by the Chief of Policy
and Plans (COPP) Headquarters NAF, AVM Emmanuel Anebi, commended the troops for
their commitment and resilience in the fight against insurgency noting that
Nigerians were appreciative of their enormous sacrifices and efforts at
ensuring the territorial integrity and security of the Nation. He emphasised
that the get-together was also aimed at fostering comradeship and regimentation
among troops, while charging them to maintain continuous vigilance at all
times.
The CAS appreciated the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President
Muhammadu Buhari, for his unflinching support to the NAF by ensuring the
enabling environment and providing the necessary resources for the Service to
perform its assigned duties. According to him, “We can only show our gratitude
for the President’s support to the NAF by remaining a disciplined force and
exhibiting the highest level of professionalism in all our activities. I
therefore enjoin you all not to relent in your efforts”, he said.