- The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has temporarily relocated to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base at Maiduguri
- The base is from where the air search operations for the missing Dapchi girls are being coordinated
- The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Monguno was equally at the NAF Base Maiduguri, where he commissioned projects to extend the reach of NAF helicopters
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Monguno has commissioned new projects at 171 NAF Detachment Monguno.
NAIJ.com gathered that the newly commissioned projects include the unit’s headquarters complex, a block of 4 single officers’ quarters, a block of 10 flats for airmen/airwomen and 2 helipads, all of which have just been constructed.
One of the officers quarters commissioned by the NSA in Monguno. Photo credit: NAF
READ ALSO: We will secure release of 110 Dapchi girls, others abducted by Boko Haram - Buhari
According to the commander of the Air Task Force, Air Vice Marshal Idi Lubo, air power projection has limitations, one of which is reach.
He therefore expressed his delight, noting that with the commissioning of the projects at 171 NAF Detachment Monguno, the NAF had just extended the reach of its helicopters.
Some of the NAF helicopters getting ready for operations. Photo credit: NAF
In his remarks at the commissioning ceremony, the CAS stated that the projects were undertaken in pursuit of the NAF’s commitment to ensuring security in the northeast. He added that the NAF would continue to deploy air assets in all parts of the country towards ensuring that Nigerians are able to prosecute their businesses in a safe and secured environment.
On the missing Dapchi girls, Air Marshal Abubakar declared that no efforts would be spared by the NAF in locating the girls, in conjunction with other security forces.
The CAS who has relocated to Maiduguri, promised that the NAF will do all its best to secure the release of the girls. Photo credit: NAF
He disclosed that NAF pilots on different NAF platforms were operating day and night to locate the girls, adding that he had decided to temporarily relocate to Maiduguri, given the import of the unfortunate incident.
While commissioning the projects, the guest of honour, Mohammed Monguno, lauded the monumental achievements of the NAF under its current leadership.
The NSA commended the Nigerian Air Force leadership for its achievements in recent times. Photo credit: NAF
He recalled that 171 NAF Detachment Monguno was only established in 2017; he was therefore surprised to see all that had been accomplished within the short period.
He described the feats as a testimony to the zeal and commitment of the CAS to repositioning the NAF into a highly professional force in line with his clearly stated vision.
Nigerian Air Force helicopters working night and day under the supervision of the CAS in Maiduguri to bring back the girls. Photo credit: NAF
The NSA also described the establishment of NAF presence in Monguno as being long overdue, as it would add the much needed value to the efforts of the other security agencies in ensuring peace in the northeast.
Speaking further, the NSA commended the NAF for its immense contributions to the overall efforts at degrading the capability of the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) while urging NAF personnel to remain steadfast.
Also commissioned yesterday, by the NSA, were a newly constructed fire fighting and an aircraft arming bay at NAF Base Maiduguri.
The NSA also commissioned a fire fighting facility at the base. Photo credit: NAF
The NAF has had to deploy additional air assets, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, to the northeast in a renewed effort at locating the missing girls.
The CAS was still in the Northeast as at the time this report was published.
READ ALSO: Toyin Saraki expresses optimism that Dapchi girls will be rescued soon
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has denied media reports suggesting it had deployed 100 fighter jets in the search for the missing girls abducted from Government Girls Science and Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, Yobe state on Monday, February 19.
The director of public relations and information, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, in a statement said the Air Force deployed sorties and not 100 aircraft for the search of the abducted Dapchi school girls.
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Source: Naija.ng
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