By Hosea Parah, Abuja

The Minister of Defence, Dr. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has reiterated the Ministry’s trust in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to fulfill its constitutional obligations. This affirmation was made during his visit to NAF Headquarters, where he was accompanied by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the Chief Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Directors, and other high-ranking officials.

Dr. Abubakar expressed unwavering confidence in the leadership of the NAF, led by Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, and other services as they work together to create an enabling environment for all Nigerians to live without fear of intimidation.

Commending the level of teamwork among the various services, the Minister praised the strong leadership at the top. He also commended Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar for guiding the Nigerian Air Force to achieve remarkable success.

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the significant collaboration between the Ministry and the Services, which has played a crucial role in recent notable achievements.

Acknowledging the dedication and hard work of NAF personnel, Dr. Abubakar assured that the Ministry is fully committed to providing necessary support to help the NAF and other services overcome the nation’s security challenges.

In response, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala, praised the transformative impact of the Minister’s leadership and his efforts in advancing the defence sector.

The CAS acknowledged the purposeful policies and programs implemented during the Minister’s tenure, which have contributed to the Nation’s defence and security objectives. He credited the Minister and his team for their support in achieving notable milestones.

Expressing gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the CAS highlighted the unwavering support received from the President in meeting the needs of the Service. He assured that the NAF, along with its committed personnel, remains dedicated to upholding democratic values and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

The CAS emphasized the NAF’s commitment to action by intensifying air operations against terrorists and criminal elements, effectively limiting their operational freedom. This, in turn, creates favorable conditions for successful ground operations by Nigerian troops. The CAS issued a stern warning to all enemies of the state, urging them to desist from criminal activities or face the consequences.

With the Minister’s visit reinforcing confidence and support, the Nigerian Air Force continues its mission to protect the nation and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.