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.
“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.
“Preparatory to the deployment, new facilities were recently put in place to cater for accommodation and other welfare needs of the personnel,” he added.
“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.”
In his remarks, the guest of honour while commissioning the newly constructed projects, Retired AVM Larry Koinyan applauded NAF personnel for their courage and resounding successes following their renewed vigour at ensuring peace and stability in the various theatres of operations in the country.
He continued by enjoining the people of Bayelsa to support the Federal Government’s effort at solving the problems of the region once and for all.
Earlier, CAS paid a courtesy call on Gov. Henry Disckson of Bayelsa, who gave assurance that his administration was ready to partner NAF and other security agencies in their bid to rid the state of criminal activities.
Dickson said it had become necessary because Bayelsa government understood the importance of security and the need for the state to be safe for economic prosperity.
He also promised that his government would partner the service to build NAF primary and secondary schools in the state to enable Bayelsa people to benefit from the quality education provided by NAF Schools.
The governor noted that the discipline and re-orientation of the youth in the state would further be enhanced at NAF base in Yenagoa where the schools would be sited.
