The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Saddique Abubakar, had lunch with troops from the “Operation Lafiya Dole” Air Task Force in Maiduguri on Friday to celebrate Christmas.
Speaking on the occasion, Abubakar said the gesture was to fill the void created as a result of the troops’ inability to celebrate with their families.
“This occasion also fosters camaraderie and gives us the opportunity to congratulate each other on our collective efforts in the ongoing fight against the insurgency.
“It is not easy to quantify their enormous contributions and sacrifices towards the war against the insurgency.
“The celebration of Christmas has to do with sacrifice. As military professionals, our sacrifices for the unity of Nigeria remain immeasurable.
“We are all aware of the enormous responsibility we have in ensuring the indivisibility of our beloved country,” Abubakar said.
He urged troops to remain vigilant and focused, reiterating his commitment to repositioning the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for an effective, efficient and timely deployment of air power in response to national security challenges.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for providing the NAF with the resources necessary to carry out its assigned tasks.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the support of the members of the National Assembly committees in the NAF.
“I want to assure you that all approved resources have been used wisely,” he said.
In his speech, the Commander of the Air Force, Air Commodore Abubakar Abdulkadir, who described the lunch as one of the many gestures of the head of the Air Force to raise the morale and spirit of the troops on the front line, assured the troops the commitment with the assigned. Chores.
“Your presence here to congratulate us despite your busy schedule demonstrates your continued commitment to the welfare and well-being of Air Task Force troops,” Abdulkadir said.
In his remarks on behalf of the Borno government, the Lieutenant Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, praised the effective role of the NAF and other security agencies in bringing peace to the state and assured the government of the commitment to work with them to achieve lasting peace. in the state. .
