Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on Monday hosted officers and men of the Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole in Yola, to a lunch to celebrate Eid el-Fitr.

Addressing the troops Abubakar said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had recorded a lot of successes in the fight against insurgency.

“I felt it necessary for me to be here to celebrate with you and to also express the appreciation of NAF and indeed the Commander-in-Chief to all of you for what you have been doing.

“We are very happy with the effort you are putting in, we have achieved so much,” Abubakar said.

He said more aircraft would be provided, particularly for training and courier service, to fly personnel between Yola and Maiduguri as well as other NAF stations nationwide.

“The idea is to make you have some form of contact with your family wherever they are.”

Abubakar also said that NAF would be sending some personnel for training in Egypt and South Africa alongside other training opportunities within Nigeria.

“We are becoming more professional and discipline. All issues that have to do with welfare in terms of training, welfare, uniforms and other flying kits required had been provided.

“We are doing all that to ensure that you are safe and have what is required in terms of skills and training to be able to discharge your responsibilities effectively.”

He asked them to key into the NAF Investment Project that has been providing houses to personnel through monthly contribution.

Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal N.A Balogun, lauded the CAS for his commitment to improving the capacity of NAF in areas of operation and welfare.

He said the troops were committed to continue to deliver their best to secure the nation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Abubakar also inspected the newly completed Oxygen Plant built by NAF.

NAN)