By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for the level of achievement recorded in the fight against terrorism and other forms of criminality in the country
The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said in statement that Badaru gave the commendation on Tuesday in Abuja.
Badaru was speaking when led the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the Chief Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Directors and other top officials of the ministry to NAF Headquarters.
The minister, who hailed NAF over its achievement in its various theatres of operation, reaffirmed confidence in its capability to fulfill its constitutional obligations.
He also expressed confidence in the leadership of the NAF under Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar and other services to jointly work towards providing the enabling environment for all Nigerians to live freely without fear of intimidation.
According to the minister, the level of teamwork among the various services is impressive and this is because they have a strong team at the top.
“I am also happy with your leadership and how you have guided the NAF towards achieving the level of successes recorded,” he said.
Badaru also expressed satisfaction with the substantial collaboration between the ministry and the services which had been instrumental to the notable achievements made in recent times.
He appreciated the personnel of the NAF for their unwavering dedication and hard work and assured of the ministry’s commitment to providing the necessary support to enable the military rid the nation of all security challenges.
Earlier, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Abubakar, had lauded the transformative impact of the minister’s leadership style and his efforts at steering the defence sector towards a new era of progress.
Abubakar said that defence ministry under the current leadership to had ushered in purposeful policies and programs designed to meet the nation’s defence and security objectives.
He also briefed the minister on some of the notable achievements recorded since he assumed office, noting that the achievements would not have been possible without the support of the Minister and his team.
The CAS conveyed his appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his unwavering support and meeting the needs of the service.
He then assured that the NAF, along with its dedicated personnel, was firmly committed to upholding democratic values and safeguarding the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
Abubakar said that the NAF had intensified air operations to combat terrorists and other criminal elements, curbing their operational freedom and fostering favourable conditions for successful ground operations by Nigerian troops.
He, however, sent strong warning to all enemies of the state to desist from criminality or face the consequences. (NAN)
