The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has sought security support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The governor who visited the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar today in Abuja noted that the state needed protection from bandits and hoodlums who setting it backward.
The governor expressed concern over the ravaging activities of bandits and other forms of criminality in the state.
According to him, “We are here to condole with you over the Helicopter crash in our state and also commiserate with the army who lost officers to the ambush by bandits.
“We need detachment of Airforce in Minna airport. We need the presence of Airforce in the state. We are ready to provide accommodation for your men near the airport. We really need protection from insecurity. This is the reason for our visit.”
Responding, the CAS pledged to address the request of the governor.
Speaking on the Helicopter crash, Air Marshal Abubakar noted that as long as operatives fly war Jets, incidents and accidents would remain sacrosanct due to constant flying activities.
According to him, the Airforce is not folding its arms in tackling these challenges as it was working hard to ensure zero accidents and incidents.
“We have put in a lot to check these challenges. This season and the Harmattan season are rough periods in our operations. The NAF would continue to strive towards excellence.”
On insecurity in Niger State, the Airforce boss urged the state government to tackle youths unemployment and other needs as 75 percent of winning the war against insecurity requires non-kinetic approach, while kinetic approach constitutes 25percent.
He recommended a whole of government approach to solving security challenges in the state and other states in Nigeria.