The Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has commended the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for the numerous roles the Service has played in ensuring that Bauchi State remains one of the most peaceful states in the Northeastern part of Nigeria.
According to Governor Bala Mohammed, “the presence of the NAF in the State is reassuring. The Service has not only contributed to the security of lives and properties but has helped in improving the economic wellbeing of the good people of the State”. These assertions were made on Tuesday 24 September 2019, by Governor Bala while on a courtesy call on the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, in his office at Headquarters NAF in Abuja.
Speaking further, Governor Bala expressed delight for the establishment of the Special Operations Command (SOC) and other NAF units in the State, which he said, had immensely complemented existing security arrangements in the State. According to him “I and my entourage are here today to express solidarity and appreciation to the CAS and the entire NAF leadership for the good work the Service has been doing, not only in Bauchi State but the entire country”. He added that the entire people of Bauchi State are proud of Air Marshal Abubakar and would continue to give the NAF the needed support to effectively carry out its constitutional roles.
While responding, Air Marshal Abubakar congratulated the Governor for his victory at the polls and expressed his delight and profound appreciation for the visit. He remarked that Bauchi State was strategic to the NAF and its operations in the Northeastern part of Nigeria.
According to the CAS, this prompted the establishment of the SOC in 2016 to execute and coordinate special operations missions such as precision application of firepower; infiltration, re-supply and protection tasks in combat air support operations; Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) as well as Search and Rescue roles.
The CAS added that in a bid to expand its capacity and reduce the strain on facilities at the Regiment Training Centre (RTC) Kaduna