By Augustine Ehikioya
The Nigeria’s Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, at the weekend insisted that Nigerians will soon overcome the security challenges facing them.
Amao gave the assurance while on an operational visit to frontline troops of 105 Composite Group, Maiduguri and 103 Strike Group, Yola.
He urged personnel of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) to sustain the current onslaught against terrorists and insurgents in the North East.
While the visit boosted the morale of the personnel of the Air Component, it also gave the CAS the opportunity to interact with the troops and address some of their immediate operational challenges.
A press statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said Amao was briefed on arrival in Maiduguri by the Air Component Commander, OPHK, Air Commodore Nnamdi Ananaba.
Air Marshal Amao, according to the statement, gave a summary of the major achievements recorded by the Air Component towards degrading the capabilities of insurgents in Borno State, especially in the last 30 days.
It reads: “The outcome of our air operations have been very encouraging and positive and we must sustain these efforts to remain on course towards meeting our overall end state of ridding the region of these criminals.”
Charging the troops to remain focused and committed towards their operational objective, Amao said “Absolute commitment, discipline and dedication is required at this point in time for us to get the job done.”
The statement added “The CAS also expressed optimism that the security threats confronting the country would soon be a thing of the past as the NAF, in synergy with other sister Services is working assiduously to flush out all criminal elements so as to enable all Nigerians go about their daily lives and businesses without fear.
“He went on to state that in view of the centrality of air power in joint operations, the NAF would continue to provide the much-needed air support for the surface forces in all theatres of operation in the country.”
While at Yola, Air Marshal Amao expressed appreciation to the personnel for their commitment and dedication to duty and charged them to continue to synergize their efforts with other security agencies within their location.
“He also assured them that the entire Nation remains grateful for their sacrifice and commitment towards keeping Nigeria safe. During the interactive session, several issues pertaining to welfare, promotion and discipline, among others were addressed by the CAS on the spot,” the statement said.
The CAS was accompanied on the visit by some Branch Chiefs from Headquarters NAF and Air Officers Commanding Tactical Air Command and Air Training Command.