By Olayemi Esan
The Nigerian Armed Forces has again demonstrated unity among its highest ranks to mark this year's Eid el Kabir celebration with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao feted personnel of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai to a buffet in Maiduguri on Tuesday.
This was revealed by the Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet in a statement made available to Defence correspondents.
He reported that the Chief of Air Staff seized the visit to provide opportunity to bond with frontline troops and also to promote comradeship and regimentation in the Service.
Gabkwet also said, the lunch provided an opportunity to remember colleagues who have paid the supreme price in the service of the fatherland.
"Air Marshal Amao went on to state that the security threats currently facing the Nation and the challenges therein required the emplacement of a robust security architecture capable of rapid employment of airpower in all spectrums of warfare", he added.
According to the CAS, ‘The paradigm shift in the way air warfare is waged in the fulfillment of mission objectives necessitates a highly versatile Air Force capable of executing a wide range of airpower roles across multiple Theatres of Operation to deal with these security threats.’
He also took note of the collaborative efforts between the NAF and sister agencies which have enhanced operational effectiveness, while also minimizing the threats posed by insurgents.
He then assured the gathering that the NAF will continue to foster synergy with sister agencies, whilst leveraging each other’s capabilities to secure the nation.
While expressing pride in the NAF officers, airmen and airwomen participating in Internal Security operations in different parts of the country, Amao stated that the NAF, through the Air Component of OPHK, will continue to perform critical roles in providing the much-needed air support for the effective conduct of ground operations by the land component.
The NAF spokesperson also hailed the daring survival instincts of Flight Lieutenant Adebayo Dairo, after successfully ejecting from an Alpha-Jet which eventually crashed.
He commended the NAF and Army personnel who located the crash site for the eventual rescue of the gallant soldier.
Speaking during the dinner, the COAS, Lt Gen Yahaya commended the personnel for their dedication and commitment to counter-insurgency operations.
He went down the memory lane to recall his days as the Theatre Commander of OPHK where he enjoyed unfettered access to all the platforms and facilities under the Air Component Commander, while expressing gladness that the cooperation between the Land and Air Component have continued even after his tenure.
Lt Gen Yahaya also singled out the air power characteristics of speed and reach which, when combined with the Army's ability to hold ground as critical to bringing the current security challenges to a halt.
In eulogizing Air Marshal Amao, the COAS stated that his inspirational leadership style is a major factor to the high level of motivation among NAF personnel.
He went on to commend the Air Component Commander and his staff for their commitment and contributions towards ensuring that peace and stability is restored to all parts of the Northeast.
The COAS and CAS also took time off to pay a courtesy visit on the Borno State governor, Prof Babagana Zulum.
The Governor praised both Service Chiefs for the synergy for the synergy that have been brought to the battle against insurgents in the State, while urging them to sustain the momentum.
