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Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, has revealed plans to expand the Nigerian Air Force’s footprint with a new base in Abia State. This move is aimed at strengthening the force’s presence and enhancing its ability to respond to emerging security challenges.
On Friday, Air Marshal Abubakar paid a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti at the Government House in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, where he revealed the Nigerian Air Force’s plans to establish a new base in Abia State.
Air Marshal Abubakar explained that the move to establish a Nigerian Air Force base in Abia State was driven by the imperative to enhance security in the region, particularly in the South-East.
Air Marshal Abubakar revealed that his visit to Abia was aimed at fostering collaborative synergy with the state government, seeking to harness mutually beneficial opportunities for the Nigerian Air Force and Abia State.
Air Marshal Abubakar sought the state government’s assistance in acquiring a suitable land parcel, required for the setup of the Nigerian Air Force’s essential installations and amenities.
According to him, this will enable the Force’s presence to provide effective and decisive kinetic response to threats, enhance national security, as well as contributing to security in Abia and environs.
“I want to appreciate your foresight in requesting for the presence of the Nigerian Air Force in Abia.
Read also: Abia State: Otti Assures Corps Members Of Total Support
“This will not only boost security of the entire state, but would provide invaluable support in emergency response, disaster management and community development initiatives of Abia.
“I hereby express the Nigerian Air Force’s willingness to take advantage of the opportunity to further extend its reach in the employment of airpower response in national security imperatives, especially with Abia and by extension, the South-East region,” he said.
Abubakar commended the governor for his visionary leadership style and judicious management of public resources, focused on improving the living standards of the people of Abia.
He also commiserate with the government on the unfortunate incident which led to the loss of five soldiers at the Obikabia Junction in Aba.
Abubakar advocated for effective implementation of measures that would facilitate improvement of civil-military relations, for better socio-economic growth.
The Air Force chief reiterated his organization’s resolve to join forces with the government and security agencies, focusing on synergistic efforts to fortify security in Abia State and safeguard the lives and properties of its people.
Otti applauded the move to establish a Nigerian Air Force Base in Abia, committing to provide the requisite land for the project, which he deemed a significant boost to the state’s security architecture.
The governor announced that a temporary facility in Umuahia would serve as the Nigerian Air Force’s launchpad, equipped with vital resources such as operational vehicles, accommodation for personnel, and necessary logistics.
