By Philip Nwosu
THE Nigerian Air Force said it is set to acquire new platforms that would aid the war against terror.
Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, made this disclosure at the commissioning of projects that will enhance the forces operations in Lagos.
He debunked claims that Nigerian soldiers fled from Boko Haram terrorists who swooped on a barrack in Borno on Monday.
Abubakar said the force would take delivery of more fighter jets and equipment acquired following government’s approval in a bid to boost the fighting capacity of the personnel in the war front.
The Air Force chief, who commissioned the newly installed executive seats on the C-130 aircraft, drainage and primary schools at 105 Communication Depot in Shasha, said the military has made substantial progress in the war.
He said the military is at the tail end of the operation in the North East, adding that the insurgents can no longer move freely the way they used to in 2014 and early last year.
“Compare the situation in 2014 or the beginning of 2015 and today.
You will agree with me that there is a world of difference.
“Then, Boko Haram was moving in convoys of 15 to 20 vehicles from one community to the other. Such a thing is not happening again today.
“I really do not want to comment on what happened on Monday because I don’t have details. But generally, I can tell you that we are making substantial progress in dealing with this problem. We are at the tail end of the Northern-east operations.”
Abubakar also spoke on the night training, which commenced in Lagos on Monday night, noting that it was a routine exercise.
“Training is a continuous process for every Air Force. From time to time, we have programmes we undertake to ensure our officers and men are in the best of shapes to be able to deal with security challenges. It is just a routine training.”
Commending the Logistics Command for doing an excellent job, Abubakar said he was in Lagos to access infrastructure and ensure things were going well.
“Lagos is the logistics base of the Air Force. No matter how excellent an operational plan is, if it is not backed by logistics, you will run into difficulties,” adding that the Nigerian Air Force would not hesitate to create enabling environment for people to carry out their daily activities.
He commended the efforts of officers and men fighting insurgency in the North East, explaining that the men have sacrificed food, drink and sleep to ensure that there is peace in Nigeria.
While explaining that the force is also ensuring adequate training for its personnel, the CAS said 46 personnel of the force are being sent out for training abroad, adding that in the last nine months, 446 personnel have been sent out.
He also revealed that 20 pilots would be sent to the United Kingdom and South Africa for training, recalling that the force graduated 23 pilots recently.