AVM Elijah Ebiowe, Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Tactical Air Command (TAC), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Makurdi, said the command recorded zero crashes in 2024 despite flying more hours at intensive rates than the previous years.

Mr Ebiowe disclosed this on Saturday during the Base Socio-Cultural Activities (BASA) 2024 at the NAF Base in Makurdi, Benue State capital.

The AOC said the command had a high level of operational efficiency with nearly a 100 per cent safety record despite having flown more hours than the previous years and at more intensive rates.

He stated that NAF used BASA to foster unity and relaxation among personnel and for officers and their families to unwind, celebrate, and showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

The AOC added that the activity was a long-standing tradition observed annually to mark the conclusion of the preceding year’s activities across all Nigerian Air Force units and formations.

Mr Ebiowe announced that the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) had approved the construction of 30 units of one-bedroom accommodation each for married junior noncommissioned officers at the Makurdi and Sokoto bases.

The AOC said the NAF boss has also approved the reconstruction of the NAF Golf course in Makurdi for improved usage.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, the special guest of honour, said in his closing remarks that the event would aid officers in strengthening their bonds and promoting unity.

Represented by the director-general of the Bureau of Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (rtd), Mr Alia said he was optimistic that with the level of commitment shown by the officers, the country’s security challenges would soon be addressed.

(NAN)