In a bid to further boost security in Nasarawa State, Governor Tanko Al-Makura has allocated about 100 Hectares of land to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for the establishment of a Base in Lafia.
This was made known on Monday 1 April 2019, when the Nasarawa State Governor, His Excellency Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, and other top government functionaries from the State, paid a courtesy call on the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, in his Office at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force (HQ NAF).
Speaking during the visit, Governor Al-Makura stated that he was at HQ NAF as a follow up to the various visits made by the CAS to Nasarawa State at the time the State was beset with security challenges. He recalled how the visit by the CAS, as well as visits by heads of other security agencies, had ensured the restoration of peace and stability to Nasarawa and neighbouring States.
Al-Makura remarked that the NAF and the State had agreed on the need to establish bases in Nasarawa, with 3 different locations identified at the time. The Governor however advocated that, in the immediate term, a NAF Base could be established close to the new Lafia Cargo Airport, which was under construction and at about 80 per cent completion.
Al-Makura reasoned that siting the NAF unit close to the new Airport would enhance security and complement civil flight operations when they commence.
While commending the NAF for its efforts in checkmating security challenges in the State and other restive areas in the Country, the Governor stressed that Nassarawa State would continue to provide necessary support to ensure the effective take-off of the NAF Unit for enhanced security in the area.
Responding, the CAS expressed appreciation to the Government and People of Nasarawa State for their continued support and collaboration.
He informed the Governor that the NAF has continued to build capacity for more effective and efficient operations that would enhance the national security architecture by bringing security closer to the people. In this regard, he said, the Service had established Quick Response Wings.