The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has disclosed the plan by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to deploy additional personnel to the Niger Delta as part of the resolve to combat militancy and other forms of internal security challenges in the region.
A statement from Air Force spokesman, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, said Air Marshal Abubakar made the disclosure in Yenagoa while on operational visit to NAF Mobility Command in Bayelsa State.
Famuyiwa said the planned deployment is aimed at strengthening the existing NAF manpower disposition, especially in Bayelsa State, and to enhance the NAF involvement in Operation Delta Safe.
He added that preparatory to the deployment, new facilities were recently put in place to cater for accommodation and other welfare needs of the personnel.
He said these include the construction of new blocks of accommodation for officers and men, office accommodation, airmen mess, and provost squadron, which were commissioned recently.
He noted that: "two of the airmen’s block of accommodation were named after Corporal Omaka V.I and Aircraft man Ofonih E.F, both of whom were killed recently in Bosso, Niger State during an Internal Security Operation."
Famuyiwa also said Air Vice Marshal Larry Koinyan (retired) commissioned the newly constructed projects as the Guest of Honour.
He said while speaking at the commissioning ceremony, AVM Koinyan applauded NAF personnel for their courage and successes brought about by the renewed vigour at ensuring peace and stability in the various theatres of operations across the country.
Famuyiwa said Koinyan also called on the Bayelsans to partner with the Federal Government to provide holistic solutions to the problems of the Niger Delta.
Famuyiwa further said, earlier during the CAS courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson , the Governor declared support for the NAF.
Famuyiwa quoted Dickson as saying:“his administration is ready to partner with the NAF and other Security Agencies because the Government of Bayelsa understands the importance of security and the need for the State to be safe for economic prosperity”.
He said Governor Dickson also promised that his government would partner with the NAF to build NAF Primary and Secondary Schools in the State to enable Bayelsans benefit from the quality education provided by NAF Schools.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
