The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has called for collaborative efforts to eliminate criminals in Delta State and its surrounding areas. He emphasized the necessity of effective civil-military cooperation, enabling all parties involved to function as peace and security stakeholders.
Recent reports have highlighted a surge in violent crimes in Delta State, including communal clashes, kidnappings, the killing of security personnel, and other incidents. Notably, on March 14, 2024, officers and soldiers of the 181 Amphibious Battalion were ambushed and killed by hoodlums during a peacekeeping mission in the Okuama community.
During a meeting with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in Delta State, Abubakar stressed that development would be unattainable without a peaceful environment.
In a statement on Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, AVM Edward Gabkwet, it was stated:
“The CAS has reiterated the need for concerted efforts to flush out unscrupulous elements in Delta State and environs while also emplacing effective civil-military cooperation where all parties can work as peace and security stakeholders, mutually supporting each other for the socio-economic benefit of all.”
Air Marshal Abubakar noted that without a peaceful environment, meaningful development would be difficult to achieve, negatively impacting the livelihoods of ordinary citizens. He urged the people of Delta State to continue cooperating with security agents in their efforts to eradicate all criminal elements.
Abubakar commended the governor for his steadfast support of the Armed Forces and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in particular. He expressed gratitude for the allocation of a large expanse of land and its Certificate of Occupancy to the NAF at Osubi, measuring about 66.6 hectares, for the development of a full-fledged Base. He described this as a landmark event in the history of Delta State and NAF relations.
Governor Oborevwori praised the CAS for the NAF’s commitment to combating insecurity in the nation, highlighting that his visit underscores the strong bond and partnership between Delta State and the NAF. The governor also promised to allocate another parcel of land for the construction of a Post-Service Housing Scheme for retiring NAF personnel.
