The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar,
on Thursday attributed increasing security challenges to the expansion of Air Force base and regiments across the country.
He maintained that the critical need to ensure swift military response to emergencies and acts, capable of causing security breach compelled the establishment of more presence of Nigeria Air Force in parts of the nation
Abubakar, who made these disclosures while inaugurating capital projects at the Nigeria Air Force 209 Quick Response Group Base in Ipetu-Jesa declared that “the evolving security environment in the country characterised by insurgency in the North East, banditry in parts of North West, farmers/herders clashes in the Middle Belt region as well as cases of kidnapping and other vices necessitated the expansion of Nigeria Air Force”.
While expressing optimism that the development would go a long way in aiding quick and immediate responses to the worrisome security problems, the Air Force boss specifically hinted that 209 Quick Response Group Base in Ipetu-Jesa was to provide an effective panacea to emerging security concerns in the South West states.
Abubakar, however, lauded President Muhammadu Buhari what he described as his valuable support to the Nigeria Air Force, stressing that “we thank the President, who despite the harsh economic realities has continued to avail us necessary requirements to sustain our operations”.
The Chief of Air Staff further emphasised that “we will ensure the security of our people and to uphold the democratic ideals for the progress and prosperity of our fatherland, while also ensuring that available resources are judiciously used”.
Abubakar hinted that block of classrooms, which was inaugurated would provide a qualitative learning environment for pupils of Air Force Primary School, while ten flats were built to create befitting accommodation to military personnel.
In his remark, Osun State governor, who was represented by his Commissioner for Cabinet Matters, Senator Mudashiru Hussein said his administration was committed to the welfare of military personnel in the state.