Security Challenges Compel Us To Grow Our Base- Sadique Abubakar

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar,  on Thursday said the expansion of  Air Force base across the country was necessitated by security challenges in the country. 

Abubakar made the remarks during the inauguration of projects at  Nigerian Air Force   209 Quick Response Group base in Ipetu-Ijesha,  Osun State. 

He said that the evolving security environment  in the country necessitated the expansion of the Nigerian Air Force base to provide swift responses to security emergencies. 

” The evolving security environment in the country characterised by the insurgency in the NorthEast,  banditry in parts of the NorthWest, farmers/herders clashes in the middle belt region as well as cases  of kidnapping  and other vices across the country necessitated the expansion of the Nigerian Air Force  to provide swift and adequate responses to these security challenges”, Abubakar said. 

Abubakar added that the Air Force base located in Ipetu-Ijesha, with more than 700 trained personnel  was established to provide prompt response to emerging security challenge in the southwestern part of the country. 

While thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for his support for the Air Force,   Abubakar said that the commitment and loyalty of the force would continue to be for the nation and the President. 

” We thank the President,  who despite the harsh economic realities has continued to avail us necessary requirements to sustain our operations.

” We will ensure the security of our people and to uphold the democrats ideals for the progress and prosperity of our fatherlnad while also ensuring that available resources are judiciously  used”, the Chief of Air Staff said. 

Abubakar said the classrooms projects was  inaugurated to increase the intake into the Air Force primary school  while the  10b locks of  flats was to provide accommodation for Air Force  staff. 

In his remarks,  Gov.  Rauf Aregbesola said the state government would continue to support the Air Force base in the state. 

The Governor,  who was represented  by his Commissioner for Cabinet Matters, Mudashiru Husein, Aregbesola said the state government was committed to the well being of the Airfoce Personnel in the state. 

Earlier in his remarks,  Wing Cdr, Kehinde Akinyosade,  the commander of Ipetu-Ijesha NAF  base,  thanked the Chief Air Staff for  approving the construction of the projects.