By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reminded personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) that they serve as the shield that protects the vulnerable and the force that stands between chaos and stability.
Abubakar said this while addressing personnel of the NAF during Christmas Luncheon organised to celebrate the season at the NAF Base Maiduguri.
This is contained in a statement on Thursday by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa.
The CAS lauded the personnel’s unwavering dedication to counter insurgency operations, saying that had made significant contributions to degrading insurgent capabilities.
Abubakar, who praised their resilience, particularly in spending the festive season away from their families, assured them that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
He, therefore, urged the personnel to remain steadfast and united, assuring them that their sacrifices are deeply valued by the nation.
“Your courage and resilience remain an inspiration,” he said.
Abubakar expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the empowerment of the country’s armed forces.
He said the president’s support in the form of welfare enhancement, advanced platforms procurement, and capacity-building programmes had bolstered NAF’s operations.
These initiatives, he said, align with NAF’s non-kinetic strategies and have greatly supported the service’s efficacy.
In his message, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, commended NAF for playing a vital role in maintaining security in the state and the entire North East.
Zulum, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, highlighted NAF’s humanitarian interventions during the recent flood disaster, including airlifting relief materials and conducting medical outreaches.
“Your sacrifices have guaranteed the safety and security of our communities. NAF personnel are inspiration to future generations,” he said.
The governor reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting the armed forces and prayed for their safety and continued success. (NAN)
