Minister urges Air Force to end terrorism

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has called on the Nigerian Air Force to intensify the use of their various platforms to bring an end to banditry and terrorism.

According to the minister, the Air Force is key to this fight and must put its acts together to end this war.

Badaru made this statement during his operational visit to the Air Component Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in Katsina State on Monday, November 18, 2024.

The minister appreciated the heroic Air warriors who have continued to shine as beacons of hope, courage, and resilience, serving as an inspiration to the Nigerian people.

He said, “Your efforts are yielding positive results as farmers are gradually returning to their farms, schools are reopening, businesses are picking up, and Nigerians can now sleep peacefully.”

He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed confidence in the Air Force unwavering loyalty, perseverance, and professionalism.

“He (Tinubu) recognises the personal sacrifices you make everyday to keep our country together. It is pertinent to know that the President has provided the Nigerian Airforce with state-of-the-art aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles to enhance their attack capabilities.

“With the induction of these new platforms, including the T129 Attack Helicopter, I am confident we will make Mr. President and Nigerians proud,” he said.

He added that it was no coincidence that he was at the event to flag off the critical phase of the operations.

“I therefore urge you to synergize with the ground forces and other stakeholders to ensure maximum effect from these combat enablers,” Badaru said.

The minister continued his operational visit by also going to Sokoto to inspect the combat readiness of the platforms and also toured the new site where the permanent base of the newly established Air Force component of military operations against banditry and terrorism will be built at Sokoto Airport.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, appreciated the Minister’s servant leadership style, which is an inspiration to all. For him, the T129 Attack Helicopters will transform our operational capabilities against those who think they can destabilise our nation.