The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has vowed to increase its power against adversaries including terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal groups who are terrorising the six geo-political zones of the country.
It stressed that air power has emerged as the means of choice in addressing threats of violent extremism, terrorism, and insurgency in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Chief of Air Staff, Hasan Abubakar, stated this in Abuja on Thursday when he spoke at the opening of the 3rd African Air Forces Forum, organised as part of activities to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF@60).
Abubakar, an Air Marshal of the Force, said it was widely acknowledged that sub-Saharan Africa faces a multitude of national security challenges, including violent extremism, terrorism, and insurgency.
Daily Trust reports that the forum was a regional platform for advancing air force capabilities and building pillars of bilateral and multilateral partnerships among the air forces of African countries.
The forum, according to the air chief, would offer a unique opportunity for air forces to showcase their technological innovations that contribute to enhance Africa’s aerial defence and security capabilities.
Speaking, Abubakar said, “In addressing these threats, air power has emerged as the means of choice due to its unique characteristics of speed, lethality, and ubiquity.
“Therefore, this gathering of African Air Chiefs could not have come at a better time than now when the yearning for collaboration towards peace and stability on the continent is at its peak.
“Accordingly, the all-important issue of partnership in aerospace innovation to sustain our air power capabilities, to protect and advance our Defence and Security interests would form the crux of our discussions in this forum.”
On his part, Deputy Commander of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Lt.-Gen. Jia Zhigang Air Force, said 60 was a magic number in China and a complete cycle symbolising a perfect ending as well as a fresh beginning.
Zhigang said similarities in history had drawn China and African countries closer in a fight against imperialism, colonialism and racism, adding that the China-Africa relations were on the fast lane.
He said, “We look forward to working with our counterparts across the world to exchange security concepts, strengthen military to military cooperation, and contribute to world peace with concerted efforts in recent years.”
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