Air Force to deploy ‘quick response wing’ to Northwest for farmers’ protection

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has revealed that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF)has intensified airstrikes against criminal elements in the Northwest and is working to deploy a Quick Response Wing to increase military presence in vulnerable communities.

He made the disclosure during his operational visit to Katsina State.

The Chief stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to achieve lasting peace, noting that kinetic actions alone cannot eliminate insurgency.

He undertook a two-day operational tour of the Air Component (AC) of Operation HADARIN DAJI (OPHD) and 213 Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Katsina State, commencing on September 15, 2024.

The visit highlights the NAF’s commitment to bolstering security efforts and strengthening collaboration with Katsina State in addressing the challenges of banditry and other insecurity in the Northwest region.

During the tour, Air Marshal Abubakar paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency Dikko Umar Radda, at the Government House.

The CAS expressed gratitude to the Governor for the warm reception, notwithstanding the short notice and Eid Maulud festivities.

He also appreciated the governor’s unwavering commitment to supporting the NAF and fostering a secure environment in Katsina State.

Speaking further, the CAS noted the significant progress made in securing the state, noting that the recent planting season was largely free from interference by bandits, a feat attributed to the governor’s robust security measures.

He also commended the governor for establishing the Katsina Community Watch Corps and improving intelligence-sharing infrastructure in the state.

These initiatives, he stated, have been instrumental in enhancing the fight against banditry and ensuring a safer environment for residents.

The CAS further assured Governor Radda of the NAF’s continued support in protecting farmers during the upcoming harvest season, emphasising the importance of safe and productive agricultural activities to the Katsina State economy.

He revealed that the NAF has intensified airstrikes against criminal elements in the Northwest and is working to deploy a Quick Response Wing to increase military presence in vulnerable communities.

He stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to achieve lasting peace, noting that kinetic actions alone cannot eliminate insurgency.

He also used the opportunity to express condolences to the Governor and the good people of Katsina State over the recent passing of Hajiya Nana Yar’adua, the mother of the late former President, Umaru Musa Yar’adua.

In his response, Governor Radda warmly welcomed Air Marshal Abubakar and his team, expressing his deep appreciation for the unwavering support of the NAF in ensuring peace and security in the state.

The governor commended the CAS for the recent successful air operations that have significantly reduced the threat of banditry, particularly during the critical planting season.

He lauded the NAF’s commitment to enhancing security in the region and pledged continued collaboration with the military to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the people of Katsina State.

The governor also expressed optimism that the planned farmer protection operations and increased military presence in vulnerable areas would foster a more secure environment for the upcoming harvest season.

Earlier on arrival, the CAS had proceeded to the AC OPDH, where he received intelligence and operational briefs concerning the ongoing efforts in the fight against banditry and highlighted the progress made in recent months.

On Day Two of the tour, the CAS paid a condolence visit to the Yar’adua family. He expressed, on behalf of the officers and airmen of the NAF, deep condolences on the passing of the Great Matriarch, Hajiya Nana Yar’adua. Prayers were also offered for the repose of her gentle soul.

Subsequently, the CAS visited the 213 FOB Katsina, where he was briefed on the operational readiness of the Quick Response Wing (QRW), including the ongoing operational plans aimed at improving security in vulnerable communities across Katsina State. The CAS seized the opportunity to have an engaging interactive session with the officers and airmen/airwomen of the unit.—