In a bid to strengthen regional security and reassure citizens of the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to national defence, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, undertook an operational assessment visit to Kebbi State.
The visit, which took place today, Sunday, 10th August 2025, included high-level engagements with senior military commanders, heads of other security agencies, and an inspection of key military infrastructure, underscoring the Nigerian Air Force’s readiness to respond swiftly and decisively to emerging threats in the North-West.
The CAS also held a meeting with Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris and members of the Kebbi State Executive Council. Air Marshal Abubakar emphasised the strategic importance of Kebbi State in Nigeria’s security architecture.
“Kebbi shares international borders with the Republics of Benin and Niger and has vast rural terrains that demand heightened security vigilance,” the CAS noted.
“What affects Kebbi affects the entire North-West, and by extension, the peace and stability of our nation.” He reaffirmed that protecting the lives and property of Nigerians remains a non-negotiable priority for the Nigerian Air Force. “Our commitment is clear: we will locate and root out all criminal elements threatening the peace and safety of law-abiding citizens. Nigeria must be secure for development to thrive.”
Air Marshal Abubakar further praised the readiness of troops and effectiveness of security infrastructure in the state. “I am highly impressed with what I saw on the ground. Our platforms are well-positioned and capable of reaching every part of the state swiftly. Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations will be intensified.”
He also commended the inter-agency synergy among security outfits operating in Kebbi. “I commend the dedication of our colleagues in the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and others. Their tireless efforts are making a difference, and we will continue to support them with air power and strategic coordination.”
In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Mohammed Nasir Idris, expressed profound appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies for their tireless commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
He noted that despite emerging threats and the complex security environment in the North-West, Kebbi has remained largely peaceful, an achievement he attributed to the vigilance and sacrifices of the nation’s security forces. Governor Idris reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Air Force and all sister agencies, stating, “We are fully committed to working hand in hand with our security institutions to ensure Kebbi remains a bastion of peace and stability.”
According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force further disclosed in a statement in Abuja that the operational visit reaffirms NAF’s strategic commitment to national defence through the employment of air power, intelligence, and partnerships with stakeholders at all levels to ensure the protection of lives and properties of Nigerians.
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