The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, yesterday, said arrangements had been concluded by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to deploy additional personnel to the Niger Delta.
This is contained in a statement signed by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Capt. Ayodele Famuyiwa, in Abuja.
The statement said that it was part of the resolve to combat militancy and other forms of internal security challenges in the region.
Abubakar disclosed this in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, during his visit to NAF Mobility Command.
“The planned deployment is aimed at strengthening the existing NAF manpower disposition, especially in Bayelsa and to enhance Nigerian Air Force (NAF) involvement in `Operation Delta Safe.
“Preparatory to this deployment, new facilities were recently put in place to cater for accommodation and other welfare needs of the personnel.
“These include the construction of new blocks of accommodation for officers and men, office accommodation, airmen’s mess and provost squadron which were commissioned recently,” he said.
According to the statement, two of the airmen’s blocks of accommodation have been named after Cpl. Omaka VI and Aircraftman Ofonih EF, both of whom were killed in Bosso, Niger, during an Internal Security Operation.
Retired AVM Larry Koinyan commissioned the newly-constructed projects as the guest of honour.
In his remarks, AVM Larry Koinyan applauded NAF personnel for their courage and resounding successes following their renewed vigour at ensuring peace and stability in the various theatres of operations in the country.
He, however, called on the people of Bayelsa to support the Federal Government’s effort at solving the problems of the region once and for all.
Earlier, CAS paid a courtesy call on Governor Henry Disckson of Bayelsa State, who gave assurance that his administration was ready to partner NAF and other security agencies in their bid to rid the state of criminal activities.
Dickson said it had become necessary because Bayelsa government understood the importance of security and the need for the state to be safe for economic prosperity.
He also promised that his government would partner the service to build NAF primary and secondary schools in the state to enable Bayelsa people to benefit from the quality education provided by NAF schools.
The governor noted that the discipline and re-orientation of the youth in the state would further be enhanced at NAF base in Yenagoa where the schools would be sited.