- As CAS embarks on operational tour of units in Kaduna State
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, on Wednesday told Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is poised to rid the State and the nation of banditry and all other forms of criminality.
Air Marshal Amao said that the NAF, working in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies, has sworn to execute “expeditiously,” the new mandate.
The Air Chief spoke when he paid a courtesy call on the Governor at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
While thanking the Governor for his support to the NAF in Kaduna State, he commended Governor El-Rufai for his his zeal towards solving the security challenges in the State.
In his remarks, Governor El-Rufai thanked the CAS for the visit and singled out NAF personnel in Kaduna for their professionalism, dedication and particularly for their integrity in all dealings with the Kaduna State Government.
He went further to state that, for a long time, Nigerians have taken peace and security for granted until the current spate of insecurity afflicting the nation.
El-Rufai called on all Nigerians to appreciate and support the efforts of the military as they continue to make efforts to keep the Nation safe. According to him, “the security situation could have been worse but for the efforts of our Armed Forces”.
The Governor also stated that he, along with Governors of the North West Zone, had agreed to assist the military, particularly in efforts at employing scientific measures towards containing insecurity.
On the payment of ransom to kidnappers, the Governor reiterated the resolve of his Government not to pay any ransom to bandits and kidnappers, saying, “we will not pay a penny to any bandit,’ adding that despite the threats of kidnapping, schools would continue to remain open.
According to him, the decision to keep schools open was taken so as not to allow criminals to dictate the education of children in the State.
He also noted that the ability of the military to swiftly respond to kidnapping further gives the State the confidence to keep schools open.
Earlier on, the CAS had toured units in NAF Base Kaduna, where he was briefed on ongoing operations within Kaduna and the North West Zone. The CAS also held an interactive session with officers, airmen and airwomen of the Air Training Command (ATC) and co-located units in Kaduna, where he reiterated the need for jointness and cooperation with sister Services and other security agencies.
According to him, “no real success can be achieved if we do not work together. We must also note that there are no individual trophies in the fight against insecurity.”
Personnel were also reminded to remain disciplined in the discharge of their duties while also assuring them of adequate measures to take care of all their welfare needs.
Present during the visit to Sir Kashim Ibrahim House were the State Commissioner for Internal Security, Mr Sam Aruwan, other senior government officials as well as Branch Heads from NAF headquarters and some Air Officers Commanding (AOCs).