The Chief of Air Staff, AVM Hassan Abubakar, has expressed his admiration and appreciation for the troops of the Joint Task Force in the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices in ensuring peace and security in Nigeria.
AVM Abubakar conveyed his commendation during his visit to the frontline troops in Maiduguri, where he celebrated the Eid-el-Kabir festival with them. The Chief of Air Staff applauded the troops and their families, paying tribute to those who have lost their lives and have been injured in the line of duty.
The Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, Air Commodore Ayodele Famuyiwa, disclosed this in a statement released in Abuja on Thursday.
During his address to the troops, AVM Abubakar attributed the recent operational successes to the collaborative efforts of the air and surface forces. He acknowledged that these achievements would not have been possible without the selflessness, sacrifices, and dedication of the brave men and women involved.
AVM Abubakar also acknowledged the challenges faced by the troops, highlighting their noble act of placing their service before themselves, especially during festive seasons when they are away from their loved ones. He expressed gratitude to the families of the troops for their unwavering support, which plays a significant role in maintaining the motivation and morale of the troops on the frontline.
The air force chief emphasized the importance of synergy among the services and other security agencies, stating that it has been a key factor in the successful outcomes recorded across various theatres of operations in the country.
AVM Abubakar applauded the troops for their remarkable achievements in the ongoing operations, including the NAF independent air operations, specifically Operation WARUN, as well as the joint efforts through Operation Hadin Kai and combined multinational operations. These successes have resulted in a large number of insurgents and their families surrendering to the military.
The visit by the Air Chief and his army counterpart, the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, to celebrate with the troops in the North-East Theatre of Operation marks their first official visit to the region since assuming their new positions.
In conclusion, the Chief of Air Staff urged the troops to ensure that the synergy witnessed during his visit filters down to the tactical level of operations. He emphasized the importance of proper coordination, collaboration, and cooperation in future endeavors. With enhanced synergy and sustained efforts, the Nigerian security forces are well-equipped to tackle the challenges posed by insurgents and restore lasting peace and security to the nation.
NAN