Security

NAF reaffirms commitment to nation’s territorial integrity

Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar

 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to continue save guarding the nation’s territorial integrity against any form of threat.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said this at the ongoing maintenance of F-7Ni fighter air craft at 313 Engineering Group, NAF Base, in Makurdi.

Abubakar expressed delight that the Federal Government had given the service so much supports to achieve its full potential.

“We were in Kainji some days back, today, we are here in Makurdi and by next week we will be in Kano for same purpose.

“This clearly indicates the seriousness with which the system is working, to make sure that we get back some of the grounded air craft into flying again.

“In Makurdi, the work is ongoing on F7-Ni fighter aircraft. Seven will be taken out to China for maintenance, while two will be done locally,’’ he said.

The CAS also noted that maintenance work had since commenced on the first aircraft, while the second one would also commence in no distant time.

Abubakar explained that the idea was to first ensure that the service had the required platforms and build the capacity of personnel.

“What we are witnessing here is similar to what we are doing in Kainji, locally and also similar to what we have done in Ikeja, where we reactivated the C130 aircraft.

“And the 917 aircraft which is packed down is one of the two C130 that we have reactivated in Ikeja, first time in the history of NAF.

“We are also going round to look at any of our facilities, the Air Intelligence School, and some other infrastructure we require.

“All these are targeted at by the time the additional aircraft we are expecting from Pakistan eventually come in, so that there will be accommodation for the pilots and technicians that will take charge.

“That way, it will support our operations for the first one year,“he said.

He said the whole idea was to ensure that all hands were on deck and that the service was working round the clock to build capacity.

He said the steps would also ensure that the service was able to provide security for the country as well as its citizens.

“ Just this morning, we received information on the unmanned combat aerial vehicle meant for the country likely to leave China for Nigeria today.

“As you are all aware, we have some of our personnel already in China undergoing training.

“We will continue to do everything humanly possible to ensure that the country is secured and that Nigerians can go about their legitimate businesses without difficulties.

“Again, so many gaps have existed in so many decades so, bridging those gaps takes time.

“But we are making substantial progress and we should be able to substantially address that, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CAS also inaugurated the newly re-activated NAF Air Intelligence School, 6×2 block of bedrooms and the married officers quarters. (NAN)

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