The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has reiterated the Nigerian Air Force’s readiness to protect lives and properties, particularly in Kebbi State and other parts of the country.
He stated this during an operational assessment visit to Kebbi State on 10 August 2025, during which he held strategic meetings with critical stakeholders, including the state Governor.
In a statement by the NAF Spokesman, Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasised the strategic importance of Kebbi State in Nigeria’s security architecture.
He said, “Kebbi shares international borders with the Republics of Benin and Niger and has vast rural terrains that demand heightened security vigilance.”
He continued, “What affects Kebbi affects the entire North West, and by extension, the peace and stability of our nation.”
He reaffirmed that protecting the lives and property of Nigerians remains a non-negotiable priority for the Nigerian Air Force.
“Our commitment is clear: we will locate and root out all criminal elements threatening the peace and safety of law-abiding citizens. Nigeria must be secure for development to thrive,” he added.
Air Marshal Abubakar further praised the troops’ readiness and the effectiveness of the state’s security infrastructure. “I am highly impressed with what I saw on the ground.
“Our platforms are well-positioned and capable of swiftly reaching every part of the state. Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations will be intensified,” the CAS stated.
He also commended the inter-agency synergy among security outfits operating in Kebbi.
He said, “I commend the dedication of our colleagues in the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and others. Their tireless efforts are making a difference, and we will continue to support them with air power and strategic coordination.”
In his remarks, the Governor of Kebbi State, Mohammed Nasir Idris, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies for their tireless commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
He noted that despite emerging threats and the complex security environment in the North-West, Kebbi has remained largely peaceful, an achievement he attributed to the vigilance and sacrifices of the nation’s security forces.
Governor Idris reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Air Force and all sister agencies, stating, “We are fully committed to working hand in hand with our security institutions to ensure Kebbi remains a bastion of peace and stability.”
