By Paul Michael, Defence Editor, Abuja
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao has asked officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to go forcefully after terrorists and criminals against the peace and progress of Nigeria and dislodged them from all their hiding places.
The CAS gave the charge on Wednesday while meeting with Branch Heads, Air Officers Commanding and other senior officers at the MD Umar Blue Room, Headquarters NAF. Adding that “We mustn’t relent until peace is restored to all affected areas.”
According to NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the meeting took stock of efforts and gains made so far in NAF’s counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts and recommended the need for increased and sustained fire power to completely decimate the capabilities of all armed groups in the country.
He said: “Air Marshal Amao used the opportunity to express his satisfaction with the progress made so far, especially in eliminating key terrorists in the Northeast and Northwest as well as destroying their hideouts.
“He thereafter charged NAF personnel engaged in ongoing joint operations to go after those against Nigeria’s peace and progress while ensuring that there is no hiding place for all terrorists and insurgents.
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“Air Marshal Amao also vowed to meet the operational requirements of all NAF units involved in joint operations so as to minimize threats posed by terrorists, insurgents and other criminals. The CAS then charged heads of operational units to continually ensure the provision of Close Air Support to Nigerian Army troops and other security agencies while sustaining the momentum until all terrorists are smoked out and neutralized.”
He further said efforts are being made by the CAS to enhance the welfare of officers, provide training and capacity building to improve on their capability to tame terrorists across the country.
“The CAS noted that immense efforts have been made in the areas of purposeful training and capacity building as well as enhancement of welfare for both serving and retired personnel, particularly in the provision of medical and healthcare services.
“While commending all NAF personnel for their dedication, he urged them to remain apolitical especially now that political activities are gaining steam. He however urged them to ensure that they fulfil NAF’s constitutional role of Aid to Civil Authority should the NAF be called upon to assist in the airlift of election materials to various parts of Nigeria.”
The one-day engagement, which was based on the recent gains made against terrorists and insurgents by the Armed Forces, also took note of the challenges facing operational units and measures to ameliorate their effects on ongoing operations.
