The chief of air staff (CAS), Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for equipping the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) with various calibres of fighter jets.
He said the fighter jets are supporting ground forces in combating Boko Haram terrorists and other criminal elements threatening the unity of the nation.
Air Marshall Abubakar also commended troops fighting the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, even as he conveyed President Muhammadu Buhari’s message to the troops to work harder to ensure that the security challenges facing the nation are immediately brought to an end.
Abubakar made these comments in Maiduguri, Borno State, where he celebrated Sallah with men and officers of the Nigerian Air Force involved in the ongoing counter-insurgency war in the North East and to commission a multi-purpose hall named after a distinguished former Air Officer, the late Air Vice Marshall Ekpenyong Edem.
The air chief stated that NAF would keep working to achieve the mandate given to it by Mr President directed, adding that it is going to ensure that not only the North East is secure , but all parts of the country.
He said: “I am here in Maiduguri to convey the president appreciation to the men fighting here. He asked the service chiefs to convey this information to our constituencies – and my constituency here is the Air Force – that we should work much harder.
“Nigeria is endowed in term of resources and all that is required is for all Nigerians to put in their best in ensuring that the country moves forward as a united entity.
“We are very excited with the progress troops are making here. There is no doubt that so much has changed from 2014 till now. Those of you in Maiduguri, I know, can attest to that. The situation has changed.”
On AVM Edem, who was immortalised by the Nigerian Air Force with naming of the hall after him, Abubakar said: “He was a very hardworking and diligent Nigerian that has contributed to the progress of Nigeria. Some of us had the opportunity to serve with him and I can tell you he did a lot to add value to what we have on ground now.”
He noted that the idea to immortalise the deceased was to send a message to young officers that when they work hard, they will be recognised for their contributions, whether dead or alive.
The CAS has also commended officers and men of NAF for their commitment in the fight against insurgency in the North East.
Abubakar made the commendation in Yola yesterday where he hosted the officers and men of the force to Eid el-Fitr Sallah lunch celebration.
The CAS, represented by the commander, Air Taskforce Operation Lafiya Dole, AVM Idi Lobo, urged them to continue discharging their duties in a professional manner.
Lobo reiterated the commitment of NAF in providing support to eliminate all forms of threats in the land.
“We have just finished fasting and praying for 30 days. I believe God has answered our prayers in many ways, even at this moment. The Taskforce would continue to provide needed supports to eliminate all forms of threats in the land.
“I pray God to continue to use the leaders we have to give the military the needed supports at all times,” he said.
