Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has called for the deployment of additional air platforms to strengthen the fight against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents in the Lake Chad area, Sambisa Forest, Timbuktu Triangle, and Mandara Mountains.
Gov. Zulum made the appeal when he received the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, at the Government House, Maiduguri.
He commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its role in providing air cover to ground troops, supporting humanitarian operations, and contributing to the restoration of peace in the state.
“Despite the enormous contributions of the air force to peace and security in Borno, we still need more air power in our area of responsibility, particularly in the shores of Lake Chad, Sambisa Forest, Timbuktu Triangle, and Mandara Mountains.
“These areas are difficult for ground troops alone to secure. Heavy air power is essential to eliminate insurgents and address insecurity,” Gov. Zulum said.
The governor praised the recent deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and assured that his administration would continue supporting the air force to achieve its objectives.
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He also lauded the synergy between the NAF and other security agencies, which he said had contributed to recent operational gains.
Air Marshal Abubakar applauded Gov. Zulum’s model of deradicalisation and reintegration, describing it as a community-driven, non-kinetic approach that has yielded tangible results.
“The model has been largely successful, with active participation from community groups and a focus on healing and reconciliation rather than punishment, especially for those forced into terrorism,” Abubakar said.
“It has positively impacted security across Borno and other parts of the North-East.”
He noted that the air component of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ had intensified its operations to unprecedented levels this year, reaffirming the air force’s commitment to sustaining peace and security in the region.
