The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to establish a permanent presence in Abia State, aimed to bolster security of the airspace while providing support to disaster management and community development initiatives. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar disclosed this on Friday during his meeting with the State Governor Alex Otti, at his country home at Mvosi, in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.....Read The Full Story Here ▶
According to Air Marshal Abubakar, NAF’s presence in the state would not only bolster security of the airspace but also provide invaluable support in emergency response.
He also expressed NAF’s willingness to take advantage of the opportunity to further extend its reach in the employment of air power in response to national security imperatives, especially in Abia State and the Southeast Region.
While expressing sadness over the unfortunate May incident that led to the loss of lives of soldiers and disruption of livelihood in the state, Air Marshal Abubakar assured that those behind the dastardly act will soon be brought to justice.
Speaking further, the CAS applauded Otti’s dedication to public service and commitment to the betterment of Abia State.
“We admire your governance style which is people-oriented and centred on the judicious management of public resources in order to improve the living standard of Abians.
“The pathway you have chosen for your people is that of sustainable growth, development and prosperity,” he said.
Commending the development, Otti described the move as timely given that the Federal Government recently approved the construction of an airstrip in the State.
The large expanse of land earmarked for the air strip, according to the Governor, is adequate to accommodate a NAF Base, which his government would be glad to allocate to the NAF.
To ensure an immediate operationalization of the new Base within the next 2 months, the Governor promised to provide a temporary site at Umuahia as well as residential accommodation, mobility and other requirements.
The presence of the NAF in Abia State, he continued, will bolster the efforts of other security agencies.
Speaking on the unfortunate incident of the killing of some soldiers in the State in May 2024, Otti said the earlier bounty of N25 million placed on those responsible for the act has now been increased to N30 million.
The additional sum, Otti said, was made by an illustrious son of the state.