Banditry: Nigerian Airforce to establish operational base in Kaduna’s Birnin Gwari – CAS

Following the persistent rate of armed banditry and kidnapping in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna state, the Nigerian Airforce (NAF) said it will establish a Forward Operating Base in the area soon.

This brings the number of Forward Operating Bases in Kaduna to four with two in the southern part of the state and two in Birnin Gwari.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Birnin Gwari, Zubairu Jibril Mai-Gwari at the Emir’s palace in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna state after inspecting the Tsangaya Model Boarding Primary school, the proposed site for the base.

He assured that the NAF will work round the clock with other security agencies to ensure safety of lives and property of residents.

“We want to develop a small unit with a helicopter space to make sure the community is well secured and people go about their normal businesses with nothing to fear.

“As soon as we finish our assessment, our people will come and start building the helicopter area; We are out for the criminals and those that want to cause harm in Nigeria,” he added.

Speaking further, he noted that the 18 new aircrafts provided by the federal government to NAF would help to overcome the security challenges faced in the country.

He added, “Operation Dirar Mikiya” was launched on 21st July in Katsina state; it has been extended to Gusau in Zamfara state; it will soon be extended to Birnin Gwari.”

Reacting to the gesture, the Emir of Birnin-Gwari, Mallam Zubairu Jubril, Mai-Gwari ll lauded the efforts of the Federal Government and the Kaduna state government for not relenting in ensuring that the security challenges in Birnin-Gwari are addressed.

The Emir, while speaking in his palace assured the Air Marshal of his support.

In the entourage of the CAS were the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, Chief of Training and Operations, Chief of Logistics, Commander, Base Services Group and other senior officers.