The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has expressed the readiness of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to build a base in Abia.

Mr Abubakar made this known on Friday when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

He said that the decision to institute the presence of the NAF in Abia was informed by the need to boost security in the state and the South-East geopolitical zone.

Mr Abubakar said that he was in Abia to engage in meaningful dialogue with the state government, exploring opportunities for partnership between NAF and Abia State.

He appealed to the state government for a parcel of land to facilitate the placement of the necessary NAF facilities.

According to him, this will enable the Force’s presence to provide an effective and decisive kinetic response to threats, enhance national security, and contribute to security in Abia and environs.

“I want to appreciate your foresight in requesting the presence of the Nigerian Air Force in Abia.

“This will not only boost the security of the entire state but would also provide invaluable support in emergency response, disaster management and community development initiatives in Abia.

“I hereby express the Nigerian Air Force’s willingness to take advantage of the opportunity to further extend its reach in the employment of airpower in national security imperatives, especially with Abia and, by extension, the South-East region,” he said.

Mr Abubakar commended the governor for his visionary leadership style and judicious management of public resources, which focused on improving the living standards of the people of Abia.

He also commiserated with the government on the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of five soldiers at the Obikabia Junction in Aba.

Mr Abubakar advocated for the effective implementation of measures that would facilitate the improvement of civil-military relations for better socio-economic growth.

He assured that the Nigerian Air Force would partner with the government and other security agencies to enhance security in the state.

Responding, Mr Otti described the approval for the establishment of an Air Force base in Abia as a welcome development and promised that the government would provide land for the NAF to site its operations.

He said that a temporary site would be provided in Umuahia to serve as its takeoff location, as well as an operational vehicle, an official residence and other logistics.

Mr Otti expressed confidence that the establishment of an Air Force base in Abia would further complement the government’s efforts to enhance the security of lives and property in the state.

According to him, the relative peace experienced in the state is an outcome of the efforts of the government and security agencies.

He said that security had remained a top priority and that the Abia government would support the Nigerian Air Force to perform optimally in the state.

Mr Otti described the visit as timely, especially with the federal government’s approval for the establishment of an airstrip in the state.

He said that the government was committed to partnering with the federal government to expand the airstrip to an airport.

(NAN)