The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar, has assured that the newly inducted platform and other equipment by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its operations will be the game changer against insurgents and bandits in the country.

Marshall Abubakar stated this during a Christmas lunch organised for frontline troops at the headquarters of the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri yesterday.

The CAS said, “I think what is important is that we are working round the clock to improve security in Nigeria with the support of the Federal Government. Only on Thursday we inducted additional platforms and we are hoping to address this problem.

“Let me reassure us all that procurement of additional platforms such as the Super Tucano, JF-17, UAVs and other additional equipment would certainly be game changers for our operations. We are committed to ensuring the total elimination of insurgency, banditry and all forms of criminality in our dear country.

“We have vigorously trained the requisite manpower to have capacity to operate all the sophisticated aircraft and equipment the Federal Government of Nigeria has provided for us. Therefore, we cannot allow ourselves to be taken unawares.”

He noted that NAF had continued to contribute its quota in various internal security operations across the country aimed at combating all forms of criminality.

He further said, “It is not easy to quantify our enormous contributions and sacrifices towards the war against insurgency. Christmas celebration is all about sacrifice. As such as military professionals, our sacrifices for the unity of Nigeria remains immeasurable.

“We have intensified our anti-banditry and other security operations across the country. We shall not relent nor rest on our oars until we ensure the security of lives and property of Nigerians are guaranteed.” (Agency report)