Governor of Kaduna State Uba Sani has presented certificates of occupancy (Cs-of-O) to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, for lands allocated to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for a post-service housing scheme at the New Millenium City in the state.
He made the presentation on Monday during a visit to Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters, where he commended the CAS for his outstanding performance and his efforts at transforming the NAF into an “agile and resilient force.“
In a statement by NAF director of public relations and information Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the governor highlighted NAF‘s air power roles in Operation WHIRL PUNCH, which has led to a drastic reduction in the frequency of attacks by terrorists and other criminal elements.
He also commended the CAS for upgrading the 271 NAF Detachment at Birnin Gwari to a Wing status, now 4135 NAF Wing, Birnin Gwari.
The governor disclosed that his administration has allocated 10 operational vehicles to the NAF to enhance ongoing operations.
He said, “The Nigerian Air Force is a vital partner in ensuring the safety and security of Kaduna State, and we are committed to providing the necessary support and resources to enable the NAF to carry out its mandate and secure our communities effectively.“
Responding, Air Marshal Abubakar thanked the governor for his commitment to collaborating with and supporting the NAF.
He also appreciated the governor‘s benevolence in approving the certificate of occupancy for the two parcels of land to the NAF, which he assured would be put to good use for the benefit of NAF personnel.
We are grateful for all the support we have received from the Kaduna State Government, and I want to assure you that we will not rest until we rid Kaduna State and its surroundings of all criminal elements.“
Air Marshal Abubakar also highlighted the NAF‘s efforts to enhance its operations by installing new landing and navigational aids at the Military Airport in Kaduna.
According to him, these would increase the frequency of flight operations and improve ongoing operations.
In October 2023, the state government approved the allocation of 88.840 hectares of land, comprising 44.894 hectares and 43.746 hectares, to the NAF at the newly carved-out Kaduna Millenium City.
The lands would be partly developed into a new NAF base and mainly used to construct post-service housing schemes for NAF personnel.