Internal security: Nasarawa state govt allocates 100 hectares of land to NAF

- The Nasarawa state government has allocated about 100 hectares of land to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF)

- The donation is for the establishment of a NAF Base in Lafia, the Nasarawa state capital

- This was made known on Monday, April 1, when the Nasarawa state governor, Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura, visited the NAF headquarters

In a bid to further boost security in Nasarawa, the state government has allocated about 100 hectares of land to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for the establishment of a NAF Base in Lafia.

This was made known on Monday, April 1, when the Nasarawa state governor, Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura, and other top government functionaries from the state, paid a courtesy call on the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, in his office at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force (HQ NAF).

Speaking during the visit, Governor Al-Makura stated that he was at HQ NAF as a follow up to the various visits made by the CAS to Nasarawa state at the time the state was beset with security challenges.

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He recalled how the visit by the CAS, as well as visits by heads of other security agencies, had ensured the restoration of peace and stability to Nasarawa and neighbouring states.

He remarked that the NAF and the state had agreed on the need to establish bases in Nasarawa, with 3 different locations identified at the time.

The governor however advocated that, in the immediate term, a NAF Base could be established close to the new Lafia cargo airport, which was under construction and at about 80 per cent completion.

He reasoned that siting the NAF unit close to the new airport would enhance security and complement civil flight operations when they commence.

While commending the NAF for its efforts in checkmating security challenges in the state and other restive areas in the country, the governor stressed that Nassarawa state would continue to provide necessary support to ensure the effective take-off of the NAF unit for enhanced security in the area.

Responding, the CAS expressed appreciation to the government and people of Nasarawa state for their continued support and collaboration.

He informed the governor that the NAF has continued to build capacity for more effective and efficient operations that would enhance the national security architecture by bringing security closer to the people.

Air Marshal Abubakar expressed delight about the new Lafia cargo airport, stating that it would not only serve as an alternate airfield for NAF aircraft but also enhance the operations of the Quick Response Wings, which would soon be activated in the state.

While thanking the governor for the allocation of the land, the CAS stated he would send a team to Nasarawa to determine the requirements for its development.

He said the team would also assess the level of progress of work at the cargo airport.

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Meanwhile, NAF special forces team operating in Zamfara state recently repelled attacks by armed bandits who attempted to invade Hayin Mahe and Hayin Kanawa Villages in Gusau local government area.

NAF in a statement signed by Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the director of public relations and information and made available to Legit.ng said the operation, which took place on Sunday, March 31, was conducted sequel to intelligence reports indicating that the bandits, who operate from Sububu and Kagara forests, had attacked the villages and kidnapped some of its inhabitants.

Responding to the intelligence reports, the NAF team engaged in a gun duel with the bandits who eventually fled into the forest.

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Source: Legit.ng