By Peter Okolie

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, on Thursday inaugurated a block of 30-room transit accommodation for airmen of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) at Owerri, the Imo capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facility is located at the 211 Quick Response Group (QRG), NAF Base, Owerri.

In a speech at the event, Abubakar said the occasion marked a significant milestone in the base’s development and demonstrates commitment to enhancing personnel’s operational efficiency.

He said the project would assist to maintain highly motivated force in the fight against myriads of security challenges in the state and South East region.

“This achievements is commendable in curbing the prevailing security situation in Owerri and its environment.

“We are not oblivious of the threats posed by the activities of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), whose activities have continued to undermine peace and security in this region,” he noted.

Abubakar reaffirmed the readiness, commitment and resolve of the NAF to its constitutional mandate to defend the territorial integrity of the country as well as property and lives of citizens.

He said NAF would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to restore normalcy and stability in affected communities.

He charged those who would reside in the facility to uphold highest standards of discipline, professionalism and loyalty.

“The facility was not just in appreciation of your sacrifices but a reminder of your huge responsibility of crime fighting.

“Let this infrastructure inspire you to promote excellence and uphold commitment to duty,” he stated.

He said NAF had experienced remarkable transformation under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

“This is evident in the significant upgrade of our aircraft inventory and enhanced operational readiness.

“In recent years, we have bolstered our fleets with 15 cutting-edge aircrafts and we are set to receive more.

“Looking ahead, we are slated to acquire 49 additional aircrafts by 2026, bringing the total aircrafts to 64 new aircrafts in just three years,” he noted.

He said the new accommodation would expand operational capabilities, enhance quick response initiatives and empower the unit to execute its duties with increased precision, speed and effectiveness.

In a remark, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command NAF, AVM Usman Abdullahi, said the facility would foster optimal performance, boost morale and wellbeing of personnel.

Abdullahi further noted that it would reduce operational cost for personnel who traveled to and fro the city center.

He assured Abubakar that the facility would be utilised to enhance personnel performance and boost its relentless efforts in combating crime in the South East.

“Through our sustained operations, collaborations and community engagements, we have made significant strides in maintaining relative peace and stability in the South East region,” he stressed.

Abdullahi expressed the command’s resolve to protect lives and property as well as combat any security threat within their jurisdiction.

Also speaking, the Commander 211 Quick Response Group, Air Commodore David Bello, said the presence of Abubakar was a testament to his commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the unit.

“The new accommodation facility will boost our infrastructure and enhance our operational capabilities.

“Its accomplishment reflects the Chief of the Air Staff’s leadership philosophy which emphasises personnel welfare and infrastructure as a key to a motivated force,” he said.

Bello added that the facility would build on the unit’s recent successes, particularly in disrupting IPOB’s activities. (NAN)(www nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu