Don’t Give Terrorists, Bandits Breathing Space – CAS Abubakar Tasks Commanders

• Orders non-stop air assaults on criminal enclaves

BY EDMOND ODOK – Amid latest successes recorded in the fight against terrorists and bandits, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar has directed Air Component Commanders of the various operational theatres to sustain air assaults on all criminal enclaves nationwide.

The marching orders also include applying necessary pressure to ensure there is no hiding place for criminal elements operating illegal refinery sites and oil bunkering in the country.

A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the order was given at a meeting on Tuesday with a warning that efforts should be spared in hitting hard on the terrorists and their monstrous enclaves.

The statement read in parts; “On the heels of significant successes recently recorded in various theaters of operations across the country, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has issued a directive to all Air Component Commanders, urging them to intensify their efforts in ongoing operations.

“He made this call while addressing all Air Component Commanders during a virtual meeting held on 26 August 2024.

“In commending the Commanders for their outstanding performance, the CAS highlighted the critical role they have played in ensuring the safety and security of the nation.

“He noted that their dedication and tactical efforts have led to a series of successful missions, eliminating key terrorist leaders, disrupting activities of oil thieves and pipeline vandals, and safeguarding key national assets.

“The Service, and indeed the entire nation, are proud of your achievements. Your relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to duty have not gone unnoticed, and the recent operational successes are a testament to your leadership and the professionalism of the men and women under your command.

“We must, however, continue to hit them hard until they succumb to our superior might.”

Further appreciating the successes so far recorded, Air Marshal Abubakar said the challenges are far from over and all commanders must maintain the momentum to ensure the criminals do not have any breathing space to carry out their dastardly acts.

Besides charging NAF officers and men to always remain vigilant, he also tasked them to continuously leverage intelligence, precision strikes, and collaborative efforts with sister security services to neutralize remaining threats, adding; “We must not rest on our laurels”

According to him; “The Security of our nation depends on our continued resolve and unwavering commitment. I charge you to intensify your efforts and push forward with even greater determination.

“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide all necessary support to ensure the success of our missions.”

While reassuring the Commanders that the NAF leadership remains fully committed to their welfare as well as the provision of needed resources and equipment to enhance operational capabilities, the Air Chief expressed confidence in their ability to deliver on their mandate.

The statement, which said the nation’s security and peace remain paramount in the scheme of things, noted that; “Recent air strikes targeting terrorists in Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna, as well as oil thieves in Rivers and Imo States, have earned commendation from the President and other well-meaning Nigerians.”

“While these efforts are commendable, the Service remains committed to allocating even more resources across all theatres to restore peace across Nigeria, ensuring that citizens can pursue their lawful activities without fear for their lives or property”, the statement quoted the Air Chief as stating assuredly.