By Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri
The Nigerian Air Force is to strengthen the nation’s capacity to ward off security threats in the North-eastern part of the country with the establishment of more presence in the region, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has said.
He said as part of efforts to comb out security challenges on the fringes of Lake Chad, the Air Force would establish a Forward Operational Base in Monguno, northern part of Borno State.
Speaking at a camp fire organised to mark the successes recorded by the force in 2016 on Saturday night in Maiduguri, Abubakar said the purpose of establishing the mission was to contain the act of insurgency in northern Borno having dislodged the terrorist from Sambisa Forest.
He added that this would also ensure the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) back to their respective communities in troubled Borno State.
The air chief also said the force has commenced air surveillance on the fringes of Nasarawa and Benue States to tackle the menace of cattle rustling and other forms of banditry.
He said: “The Nigerian Air Force will support the theatre to also root out the Mohammed Nur faction (of the Boko Haram) from northern Borno. “We are creating the Forward Operational Base in Monguno in order to increase or helicopter gunships.”
Abubakar said the Nigerian Air Force will also establish a Cancer Centre in Maiduguri as well as Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, as it’s contribution to the development of the state. The Air Chief promised that the welfare of officers and men of the force would continue to remain his priority.
The Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, in his speech said the air component of Operation Lafiya Dole has played a pivotal role in the success recorded in the counter-insurgency operation in the North-east.
He commended the Nigeria Air Force for establishing a medical centre in Dalori and Bama IDP Camps.
High point of the event was the lightening of the camp fire by Governor Kashim Shettima and presentation of award to the various air fleets.
