Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, on Sunday appealed to the Nigerian Air Force to establish a base in the state to effectively tackle security challenges bedevilling the area.

He made the plea while receiving the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

The governor said the call became imperative in view of the incursion of Lakurawa bandits from neighbouring countries of Niger and Benin Republics as well as activities of bandits operating from neighbouring Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger states.

He observed that Kebbi has an international airport which can be used to aid the establishment of a NAF base to support the fight against terrorism.

Mr Idris stated, “Kebbi is strategic, because it shares borders with two countries of Niger, and the Benin Republics. Before, the state used to be peaceful but with the incursion of Lakurawa bandits from the neighbouring countries, the state began to witness a series of attacks.

“Apart from Lakurawa, other bandits who also come from Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger states carry out series of attacks on our people, after striking, they go back to their hideouts in those neighbouring states.’’

The governor added that considering the gallant efforts of the security operating in the state, his administration purchased 85 Toyota HILUX and distributed the same to the personnel to ease their job and boost their morale.

Speaking on the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway project, in which Kebbi takes lion share of it, Mr Idris said the state government had procured 20 Toyota HILUX for patrol, to give the site engineers and other workers adequate security to execute the project.

He observed that securing Kebbi was not only for the good of the state alone but also for the security of other neighbouring states as well as the borders linking Nigeria with other neighbouring nations.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the NAF for its complementary role by responding to the state’s requests, especially in rescue missions.

Earlier, the air chief said ensuring peace in Kebbi State was not only vital to the state but to national security in view of its strategic location.

The air force boss said he was in Kebbi State to review the operational readiness of personnel in the state and to have firsthand information about their operations.

He lauded the security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace in the state and the North-West region.

Emphasising the importance of security to human existence, Mr Abubakar said meaningful and successful development would not take place in an unsecured environment.

The air chief solicited deeper and effective collaboration with the Kebbi State government to secure the region. 

(NAN)