By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has assured Nigerians of the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) readiness to protect lives and property, following an operational assessment visit to Kebbi State on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the visit featured high-level engagements with senior military commanders, heads of other security agencies, and an inspection of key military infrastructure. The CAS said the visit underscored NAF’s preparedness to respond swiftly and decisively to emerging threats in the North-West region.
During a meeting with Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris and members of the Kebbi State Executive Council, Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the strategic importance of Kebbi to Nigeria’s security. “Kebbi shares international borders with the Republics of Benin and Niger and has vast rural terrains that demand heightened security vigilance,” he said. “What affects Kebbi affects the entire North-West, and by extension, the peace and stability of our nation.”
He stressed that protecting lives and property remains a top priority for the Nigerian Air Force. “Our commitment is clear: we will locate and root out all criminal elements threatening the peace and safety of law-abiding citizens. Nigeria must be secure for development to thrive,” he added.
Assessing the state’s security assets, the Air Chief expressed satisfaction with the readiness of troops and the operational capacity of platforms in the state. “I am highly impressed with what I saw on the ground. Our platforms are well-positioned and capable of reaching every part of the state swiftly. Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations will be intensified,” he said. He also commended the synergy among security agencies in Kebbi, praising the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and others for their dedication to peace and security.
Governor Idris, in his remarks, lauded the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies for their tireless efforts in safeguarding the state. He noted that despite emerging threats and the complex security environment in the North-West, Kebbi has remained largely peaceful due to the vigilance and sacrifices of security forces. “We are fully committed to working hand in hand with our security institutions to ensure Kebbi remains a bastion of peace and stability,” the governor said.
The operational visit reaffirmed NAF’s strategic commitment to national defence through air power, intelligence operations, and strengthened partnerships with stakeholders at all levels to safeguard lives and property across the country.
