Defence minister lauds NAF for operational success

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, has lauded the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its significant progress in combating terrorism and other forms of crime in Nigeria.

The Director, of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said in a statement on Tuesday that Defense Minister Alhaji Mohammed Badaru commended the NAF for its achievements in the fight against terrorism and other crimes in the country.

Badaru made these remarks while he was leading a delegation to NAF Headquarters, which included the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, directors, and other high-ranking officials from the ministry.

The minister praised the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its accomplishments across different operational areas, expressing unwavering faith in its ability to fulfill its constitutional duties. He also conveyed his trust in NAF’s leadership, led by Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, and the other armed services, to collaborate in creating a secure and intimidation-free environment for all Nigerians to live in freedom.

The minister attributed the impressive synergy among the different services to their strong leadership at the highest levels.

“I am also happy with your leadership and how you have guided the NAF towards achieving the level of success recorded,” he said.

Badaru also voiced contentment regarding the significant cooperation between the ministry and the armed services, which has played a pivotal role in the recent remarkable accomplishments.

He conveyed his gratitude to NAF personnel for their unwavering commitment and diligence and guaranteed the ministry’s dedication to offering essential support to help the military address and resolve all security challenges in the nation.

Before this, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Abubakar, had commended the minister’s leadership approach and his endeavors to guide the defense sector into a new era of advancement.

Abubakar mentioned that, during the present leadership at the helm of the defense ministry, they have introduced effective policies and initiatives specifically tailored to fulfill the nation’s defense and security goals.

He additionally provided the minister with an overview of the remarkable accomplishments made during his tenure, emphasizing that these accomplishments would not have been achievable without the backing of the Minister and his team.

The Chief of the Air Staff expressed his gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his consistent support and for meeting the service’s requirements.

He proceeded to ensure that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), with its dedicated personnel, remained steadfast in its commitment to preserving democratic principles and defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Abubakar emphasized that the NAF had escalated its aerial missions to counteract terrorists and various criminal groups, limiting their ability to operate freely and creating more conducive circumstances for successful ground operations by Nigerian forces.

Nonetheless, he issued a stern warning to all those who posed a threat to the nation, urging them to refrain from engaging in criminal activities or be prepared to face the repercussions.