The Nigerian Air Force has activated its new Forward Operations Base (213 FOB) in Katsina state with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar announcing the establishment of a Central Flying School in the state.
Speaking at the flag-off of the FOB, the CAs also stated that the 213 FOB would accommodate some platforms and specialized equipment in support of critical security operations in the country, whenever the need arises.
Abubakar noted that the Regiment Wings in Katsina and Daura, with their specially trained personnel, would provide the necessary protection for NAF personnel and equipment, in addition to responding in aid to civil authority, when called upon to do so.
He charged the NAF personnel to conduct themselves professionally and treat all citizens with respect and dignity even as he expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for creating the enabling environment for the NAF to fulfill its statutory responsibilities.
The commissioning of the NAF 213 Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Katsina and the Quick Response Wing (QRW) Daura formally marked the beginning of operations in the 2 units.
A statement signed by Air Commodore Olatokumbo Adesanya explained that the idea behind the establishment of the new units is to extend the reach of the NAF to the Northwest Geopolitical Zone, having already made appreciable contributions in different theatres of operations across the country.
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“The 213 FOB is thus structured to shorten NAF’s response time while extending its reach in supporting air operations to deal with threats to Nigerians”.
While commissioning the new units, Governor of Katsina State, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, lauded the decision of the Federal Government in establishing the NAF units in Katsina.
He stated that NAF’s presence in Katsina was long overdue considering its strategic importance, being a border state.
He expressed his belief that the presence of the NAF in Katsina would go a long way in complementing the efforts of the Nigerian Army troops in boosting security in the State.
He therefore requested members of the NAF’s host communities to give maximum support to the NAF.
Governor Masari was also full of praises for the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who he acknowledged had done so much to reposition the NAF as one of the best air forces in Africa.
He particularly commended the standard of buildings on the NAF bases, saying that they indicated a leader that cares for the welfare of his personnel, adding, “The other arms of the Armed Forces should emulate the NAF”.
Meanwhile, as part of the NAF’s corporate social responsibility to its host communities, the CAS handed over a fully furnished block of 4 classrooms constructed by the NAF at Muhammadu Buhari Primary School in Daura.
The CAS and his team had since returned to Abuja.
Olatokumbo Adesanya,
Air Commodore, Director,
Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
