NAF to partner Taraba State Government to curb insecurity
By Matthew Atungwu
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is to partner with Taraba state government to nip insecurity in the bud and bring lasting peace to the state.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet
According to the statement, the state governor, Dr Kefas Agbu, was at the NAF Headquarters to interface with the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, on the need for improved collaboration in view of the various security challenges confronting Taraba State.
Prior to this, Governor Kefas has admitted that the NAF is essential to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts, especially in the northeast.
According to him, the best way to stop terrorists and criminals operating in the northeast is through the use of the NAF’s air power capabilities. For this reason, increased collaboration is required to stop the criminals’ operations, especially in Taraba State.
The Governor asked the National Air Force (NAF) to step in and patrol the porous border between the State and Cameroun, which he claimed was a route that criminals used to enter and exit the State.
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In addition, he requested that the NAF assist in stopping the actions of bandits and terrorists operating inside the State, who were determined to make life intolerable for the Tarabans who valued peace.
In addition, the Governor updated the CAS on his intentions to modernize and reopen Suntai Airport in addition to his efforts to curb illicit mining operations inside the State.
In his reply, Air Marshal Abubakar praised Governor Kefas for his developmental initiatives, particularly his plans for agricultural transformation given the state’s abundance of arable land and his educational and skill-development initiatives, which will undoubtedly help the teaming youths find employment and reduce crime.
The CAS also expressed delight at the Governor’s plan to reopen and upgrade the Suntai Airport in Jalingo as it would not only lead to the resumption of domestic flights and attract investors but also enable NAF platforms to operate and enhance its operations in Taraba and beyond.
Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar commended the Governor for signing the Executive Order prohibiting illegal mining activities in the State.
According to him, putting an end to illegal mining activities will enable Taraba State to harness the wealth beneath its soil as well as discourage acts of criminality since it has now become clear that illegal mining activities are directly linked to terrorism and banditry.
Regarding the security risks associated with the long border Taraba shares with Cameroun, the CAS advised the Governor that Taraba and the country as a whole are both at risk from the large stretch of porous borderland that Taraba State shares with the Republic of Cameroun, which is approximately 107 kilometers long.
He then told him that the NAF would assist his Government in guarding the huge border while also giving confidence to Tarabans to develop.
According to the CAS, “Being one of our own, be rest assured of NAF’s full cooperation and support until you succeed in delivering the dividends of democracy to your people.”