THE Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal, Hasan Bala Abubakar has applauded the support of Kano state government under the stewardship of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf towards strengthening its operational mandate in the state.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, Air Marshal Abubakar made the commendation on Thursday when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at Government House, Kano.
The Chief of Air Staff disclosed the joint force of his troops with sister security agencies in combating internal security in Kano yielded tremendous successes and maintained peace and stability in the state.
Air Mashal Abubakar noted the impact of Nigerian Airforce personnel in several operations that led to arrest of bandits and kidnappers on wanted list of DSS in Kano. He reassured the state government of NAF readiness to sustain internal stability.
The Kano born Chief however raised concern over encroachment of NAF land and re-allocation of its property. Abubakar pleaded for restoration of the land dedicated for its future expansion.
He also craved the Governor’s support in connecting the Kano state water facility to the NAF Base in the state for access to water supply.
Responding, Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf pledged readiness to strength partnership with Nigerian Air Force in the discharge of its operational mandate of ensuring internal peace and stability in the state.
The Governor Yusuf disclosed the critical role of the Nigerian Airforce in securing the nation’s air security component and providing cover to the ground troops against the internal and external enemies.
The Governor stressed the contribution of Air Force and sister military agencies in sustaining stability in Kano, reassured his administration’s commitment to build on the institutional relationship.
He however sought the consideration for Kano indigene in the recruitment exercise of the Nigerian Air Force, indicating the large percentage of youth population in the state.
The Governor equally requested for the establishment of Air Force Girls Comprehensive Secondary in Kano to complement the existing Boys Comprehensive Secondary School which is located in Kwa, in Dawakin Tofa, a long Kano-Katsina express way.
According to him, ” The government of Kano is proud of you and we are proud of your appointment which was based on professionalism and track record. Kano is also proud of your efforts to tackle the security challenges especially the menace of kidnapers, bandits and other criminals.
” Since we took over the mantle of leadership, the administration has enjoyed tremendous relationship and support from Air Force and sister security agencies and that was responsible for the peace and stability in Kano.
” We assured you, our administration will sustain support to the airforce in Kano especially in the area of operation and welfare of your personel for optimum performance of your statutory mandate. We also want to request for special consideration of placement into the air force consider our population which is estimated at 25 million.
” It is also noteworthy to request the reture of Girls Comprehensive secondary school to Kano. We are aware the girls were relocated due to the security challenge. We are also in need of more personnel to strengthen human capacity of the troops in Kano” Gov. Yusuf noted