NAF To Establish Base In Abia State As Airstrikes Destroy Illegal Refineries

The Nigerian Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has announced plans to extend the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ‘s reach in the deployment of air power in response to national security matters in Abia State and the South East Region.

He made this known during a visit to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti. The CAS requested that the Abia State government provide land to establish an Air Force base, which he noted could significantly enhance the state’s security and the entire Southeast zone of the country.

According to the CAS, it enhances the state’s security and the entire Southeast zone of the country.

He applauded Governor Otti’s dedication to public service and commitment to the betterment of Abia State, citing the unprovoked incident that led to the loss of lives of soldiers and disruption of livelihood at Obikabia Junction of Obingwa Local Government Area in May.

We admire your governance style, which is people-oriented and centred on the judicious management of public resources to improve the living standard of Abians. The pathway you have chosen for your people is that of sustainable growth, development, and prosperity,” he reiterated.

In response, Governor Otti noted that establishing an NAF Base in Abia State could not have been more timely as the Federal Government recently approved the construction of an airstrip in the state.

While Governor Otti expressed that the large expanse of land earmarked for the airstrip is large enough to accommodate an NAF Base, he also promised to provide a temporary site at Umuahia and residential accommodation, mobility, and other requirements.

Meanwhile, the NAF said it had destroyed two illegal crude oil refining sites with three wooden boats containing crude oil located near Obiaku and close to the Imo/Abia/Rivers States borders.

The airstrike, which was conducted on Friday, a statement released after the visit by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, stated that the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe conducted the air strikes.

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Mayowa Durosinmi

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M. Durosinmi is a West Africa Weekly investigative reporter covering Politics, Human Rights, Health, and Security in West Africa and the Sahel Region

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