By Eberechi Obinagwam
As the fight against insurgency lingers, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it is set to establish a virtual Forward Operation Base (FOB), with a helipad and refueling facilities in Damaturu, Yobe State.
This initiative, according to Air Marshal Abubakar, in a release by Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, Ibikunle Daramola, was to further boost the response capability of the Air Task Force (ATF) of operation LAFIYA DOLE to threats in Yobe State.
In his remark, Governor Buni said the peace the state enjoyed during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration was as a result of the bravery and commitment of NAF pilots who did not only conduct daring air raids on terrorist’s locations to destroy their facilities and neutralise their fighters, but was as a result of speed response to distress calls to support their comrades fighting on land when locations in the state are under attack.
He noted that Yobe State would remain indebted to the NAF for such commitment and would therefore continue to support all initiatives of the Service to enhance its capacity to respond to any threat in the state.
Also, Governor Buni equally thanked the CAS for his support in the realization of the Damaturu International Cargo Airport project, which he said would witness its first test flight on Friday, May 29, 2020.
Earlier in his remark, Air Marshal Abubakar, appreciated Governor Buni for his personal commitment and tireless efforts that had facilitated the speedy execution of the helipad project.
He noted that the enhancement of NAF facilities in Damaturu would reduce reaction time and ensure greater effectiveness and efficiency in mission accomplishment.
Adding that the FOB would even make it easier for the ATF to sustain the surveillance of the Maiduguri – Damaturu Highway which had brought some level of succour to commuters.
The CAS also stated that the NAF is working in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies to maintain the tempo of operations with a view of improving security in Yobe State.
