Withdrawal of United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission Force and the 2000 Chadian troops from Mali as well as Republic of Niger troops from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) is security threat to Nigeria and the Sahel Region, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar said yesterday.
He noted that the upsurge in coup d’etat in the West African sub-region and the withdrawal of some nations from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have negative impacts on the security architecture of the region.
The CAS said these security situations had increased the influx of more weapons and terrorists into Nigeria.
Air Marshal Abubakar dropped the hints yesterday during his meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, Directors, Commandants and Commanders at NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting aimed at revisiting NAF’s set objectives in line with the CAS command philosophy and key enablers, discuss performance and achievements, and identify challenges to be addressed.
A statement by the NAF’ spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, quoted the CAS as saying that “these security situations had necessitated the need for the NAF and other security agencies to be proactive and intensify efforts at meeting the Federal Government and Nigerian citizens’ expectations for an expeditious actualization of a peaceful, safe and secure nation for prosperity to thrive.”
The Air Marshal noted that despite the threats, the NAF has, in the last 12 months, re-strategise and adopted new air power measures to enhance the gains against identified threats.
Read Also: FG approves N280b for completion of Bodo-Bonny road
He said that the measures had led to modest and significant progress in various operational areas, including the fight against insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and oil theft.
The CAS said that NAF’s achievements not withstanding, the prevailing economic challenges, such as high youth unemployment, increasing inflation, and multidimensional poverty, have exacerbated the security situation, which he said had made it “imperative for the NAF to continuously adapt and improve.”
Air Marshal Abubakar commended the efforts of NAF personnel, and expressed gratitude for their support since he assumed office.
He said: “The NAF, so far, has achieved modest yet significant progress in fighting insurgency, terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and other criminal activities in the country.
“Therefore, I wish to use this opportunity to commend you all for your efforts. I also sincerely thank you for your support over the last 12 months since my assumption of office.”