The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, has charged troops of Operation Whirl Punch and Operation Bada Mamaki to eliminate all criminal elements and restore peace in the country.

Mr Amao gave the charge at the CAS Christmas Lunch with Air Component frontline troops of Operation Whirl Punch and Operation Bada Mamaki, held at the NAF 401 Flying Training School on Sunday in Kaduna.

The frontline troops of Operations Bada Mamaki and Whirl Punch are engaged in fighting banditry in Kaduna, Niger, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory.

“We must sustain the tempo of our operations and continue to fight gallantly until all insurgents, bandits and all other criminal elements are completely eliminated, and peace is restored to all troubled parts of our dear country,” stated Mr Amao. “We must continue to operate synergistically with our sister services and other security agencies whilst leveraging each other’s capabilities to secure the nation. This is our professional duty.”

Mr Amao added that the Christmas launch was an opportunity to not only bond with the frontline troops but also promote comradeship within the service.

“It affords us the opportunity to spend time with you, knowing that you should ordinarily be spending this period with your loved ones but have sacrificed the time to remain in the theatre to ensure that our country remains secure,” the NAF chief explained. “The security threats currently facing our dear nation and the challenges they present to the attainment of our national developmental goals require the emplacement of a robust security architecture, which of course, will include the ability to rapidly employ airpower within the full spectrum of warfare.”

He commended all personnel of the operation for their commitment and contributions towards ensuring peace and stability are restored to all parts of the North-Central.

“I assure you that your efforts and sacrifices in this regard, both individually and collectively, are highly appreciated by the nation. Let me also reassure you that, on our part, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force will continue to ensure the provision of your requirements for the successful execution of the war,” said Mr Amao.

(NAN)