The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has charged Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel to remain resolute in the fight against insurgency and other forms of criminality in the country as their welfare would continue to receive utmost priority.
The CAS, who said this in Maiduguri yesterday, 13 April 2019, while getting updates from the Air Task Force (ATF) Commander, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) James Gwani, on NAF’s support to Operations LAFIA DOLE and YANCIN TAFKI, commended Officers and Airmen/Airwomen of the Service for their patriotism, diligence and commitment to dealing with the insurgency and other internal security challenges facing the Nation.
He noted that the NAF has continued to evolve strategies that have adequately positioned the Service to deal with current and emerging challenges.
While in Maiduguri, the CAS took time out to commission a new aircraft technicians’ crew room and a block of 30 single-bedroom accommodation for personnel of the Unit.
He noted that the Service has entrusted multimillion Dollar equipment in the care of the technicians and therefore their welfare is paramount to the Service.
The crew room was named after a fallen hero, Master Warrant Officer Zabesan Hosea, who made the supreme sacrifice in an Mi-35P crash at Girei, Adamawa State on 13 November 2014.
Air Marshal Abubakar reaffirmed the commitment of the NAF leadership to provide the necessary requirements for the ATF to effectively prosecute the war.
He also expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his overwhelming support to the NAF, whilst re-stating the unwavering commitment of the Service to the execution of its constitutional roles.
The CAS equally seized the opportunity to commiserate with the family of Late Aircraftman Umaru Abdul Ganimu, who died recently as a result of a helicopter rotor strike accident.
Also present at the event were the Chief of Training and Operations Headquarters NAF, AVM Oladayo Amao, Theatre Commander Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Major General Benson Akinroluyo, as well as many other senior military Officers.