CAS Hails Troops For Exceptional Performance In S’East Operation

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has lauded Nigerian Air Force (NAF) troops for exceptional performance in ongoing Joint Task Force in South-East code-named Operation Udo Ka II.

Abubakar said this on Thursday in Enugu during his maiden visit and tour of operational and training assets and facilities within NAF Ground Training Command (GTC), Enugu.

He noted that NAF troops had done exceptional well and recorded series of successes in the joint operation meant to keep the South-East safe and secured for all.

The CAS noted that the GTC Command was highly important to NAF as it houses the ground component (non technical component) as well as a unit of air component necessary to ensure the attainment of the mandate of NAF.

He said: “Today, we are in Enugu, which is the host of the GTC Command in our maiden visit and we are here to interact with the NAF personnel, see the facilities and infrastructure on ground.

“We are also here to encourage the personnel to continue to do the good job they had been doing before now.

“The GTC Command and the Air Training Command are key to all of our activities in NAF and the two commands ensure we have the adequate and skilled manpower for all our activities and operations.

“I am also here to strengthen our activities within Operation Udo Ka II, which Enugu is the headquarters, and see how we can achieve greater successes more than what we are having now and ensure that South-East is totally secured.”

According to him, there is currently training and graduation ongoing in most of NAF training facilities nationwide; while currently 750 personnel are undergoing training and would be graduating between December and January.

“These training are important to us in terms of our operation; and the current number (750) is very significant amount of manpower to be injected into our operations and other activities in the country,” he said.

On the inspection in new GTC Command Headquarters, new 553 Base Services Group (BSG) Headquarters and BSG Annex; Abubakar said that he was quite satisfied and impressed with the pace, level and quality of work done already.

“I have taken out time to inspect the projects and asked questions about the projects and I tell you that I am satisfied with what are on ground and all our assets and facilities are well maintained and protected,” he said.

The NAF boss commended NAF officers, airman and airwomen in GTC Command for “doing a good job and keeping the flag flying high” as well as extolled their sacrifices and commitment to duties as well.

“I am very happy for their performance. We at the NAF headquarters we are do all we can to make sure they have all the necessary support and equipment as well as welfare and accommodation to carry out their jobs effectively,” he said.

He assured NAF personnel of doing more by providing all necessary infrastructures to ensure the maximum working of the GTC Command.

The CAS also inaugurated a renovated airmen’s club and new Mrs Rakiya Abubakar Children’s Park as well as inspected the water treatment and reticulation system and the hospital within NAF Base Abakpa in Enugu.