The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), AVM Hassan Abubakar, has visited the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Tactical Air Command (TAC) Makurdi, where a trainer aircraft crashed on Friday.

The visit was to encourage the personnel not to be perturbed by the tragedy but to continue to commit themselves to the service of Nigeria.

He told the personnel on Wednesday that the two officers who ejected from the aircraft were recuperating in an Abuja hospital.

“In times like this, you must not be deterred or discouraged but show unwavering unity and support for one another.

“As tigers, you have been at the forefront of the fight against insurgency; be reminded that you carry the hopes and dreams of a nation on your wings”, the CAS added.

Mr Abubakar specifically commended the “incredible courage and skills’’ displayed by the crew involved in the crash on July 14.

“Their training, dedication, and quick thinking saved their lives and also exemplified the true spirit of the Nigerian Air Force,’’ he added.

The CAS further commended the safety team and all those involved in the search and rescue mission for their timely response in identifying where the crash occurred.

He urged the officers and soldiers not to be deterred or discouraged but to continue to show unwavering unity and support for one another in moments like this.

Mr Abubakar also inspected facilities and installations and received briefings from the AVM Francis Edosa, Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Tactical Air Command (TAC).

The CAS later told journalists that it was his maiden visit to the command since he assumed office.

“It is only logical that I start with the TAC because it is our teeth arm; that is why we are here to look at the facilities, installations processes and procedures, what the troops are doing, and what challenges they have so that we can start to address them as quickly as possible,” he said.

In his remarks, the AOC said the command would continue to discharge its duties diligently in support of the overall mission of the Nigeria Air Force.

(NAN)