By Augustine Ehikioya
Impressed with the latest realities, the Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD), Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has reaffirmed his Ministry’s confidence in the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) capability to fulfil its constitutional obligations.
The Minister spoke on Tuesday 24 October, 2023, when he led the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Directors and other top officials of the Ministry to NAF Headquarters.
The Minister, in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore, Edward Gabkwet, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), also expressed his “unwavering confidence in the leadership of the NAF under Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar and other Services as they jointly work towards providing the enabling environment for all Nigerians to live freely without fear of intimidation.”
According to the Minister, “The level of teamwork among the various Services is impressive and this is because we have a strong team at the top. I am also happy with your leadership and how you have guided the Nigerian Air Force towards achieving the level of successes recorded.”
The HMOD then expressed his satisfaction with the substantial collaboration between the Ministry and the Services which has been instrumental to the notable achievements made in recent times.
Appreciating the personnel of the NAF for their unwavering dedication and hardwork, the Minister assured that his Ministry is fully committed to providing all necessary support to enable the NAF and other Services rid the Nation of its security challenges.
Speaking earlier, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had lauded the transformative impact of the Minister’s leadership acumen and his efforts at steering the defence sector towards a new era of progress.
According to the CAS, ‘Your tenure has no doubt ushered in purposeful policies and programs designed to meet the Nation’s defence and security objectives.’
He also briefed the Minister on some of the notable achievements recorded since he assumed office, noting that the achievements would not have been possible without the support of the Minister and his team.
Seizing the moment, the CAS conveyed his appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support and in meeting the needs of the Service.
He then assured that the NAF, along with its dedicated personnel, is firmly committed to upholding democratic values and safeguarding the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
To translate this commitment into action, the CAS noted that the NAF has intensified air operations to combat terrorists and other criminal elements, curbing their operational freedom and fostering favourable conditions for successful ground operations by Nigerian troops.
The CAS also sent a strong warning to all enemies of the state to desist from criminality or face the consequences.
