In its efforts to improve the aerial bombardments of Boko Haram terrorists targets, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is to expand its platforms in the North-Eastern Nigeria towards speedy response in counter-insurgency operations.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, stated this while on a visit to military formations and traditional institutions in Borno State over the weekend. He announced that “the Nigerian Air Force is exploring the possibility of expanding the Air Force group in the North-East to ensure the total restoration of peace is achieved in the shortest time possible.”

Continuing, Air Marshall Abubakar said: “With the planned expansions more personnel will be deployed and more platforms created to widen our operations towards timely and speedy response in counter-insurgency campaigns. We are already widening the roles of our regiments as special combat forces to secure and protect key points after successful operations.”

Air Marshal Abubakar, who commended the military in the ongoing campaign against terrorists, said the citizens have a lot of roles to play. He said: “The public should complement the gallantry of our armed forces by being security conscious through timely reporting of suspicious objects, movements, or strange persons to the nearest security agencies.

“Security is a collective effort not only that of security agencies as government alone cannot provide security absolutely to its citizens without the support and cooperation of its citizens.”

While commending the support and encouragement from President Muhammadu Buhari to the Nigerian armed forces, the Airforce Chief urged the states to do the same in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

During his visit to the palace of Shehu of Borno, the traditional ruler, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Ibn Umar El Kanemi, called on the government to work assiduously towards ensuring the return of Internally Displaced People to their villages.

“Most of the IDPs in the state are prepared to go back to their homes to enable them prepare for the farming season. I wish to therefore appeal to the government to facilitate their return in collaboration with the state government and other donor agencies as well as the security agencies by providing adequate security and conducive living environment for the displaced persons,” Alhaji El-Kanemi said.

•Photo shows Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar.

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