By Olayemi Esan
Military personnel serving in the North East zone have lauded the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao for collaborating with the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Faruk Yahaya to mobilize a process through which troops on pass to major cities in Nigeria can enjoy safe and easy passage.
Recall that the Army Chief flagged off the welfare flight for troops of Operation Hadin Kai proceeding on pass in the theatre of operations.
A military personnel who spoke with SpyeTV in anonymity said, this prompt action is needed this time to ease movement of personnel who are on pass or who are about to process their pass.
He said, the news of the two soldiers and a Yobe State liaison officer abducted on the Damaturu/Maiduguri highway recently is still fresh.
Another source praised NAF for its commitment towards the welfare flight as a worthy contribution to a noble cause.
He explained that pass permits were recently suspended after the two army personnel who were traveling to Kano State were abducted.
This Online News Platform reports that COAS, Lt Gen Yahaya at the symbolic ceremony at the Nigerian Air Force Base Maiduguri, on Monday, restated that troops’ welfare remained one of his cardinal focus for the Army, which motivated the initiative which is targeted at easing the movement of personnel in the theatre of operation.
He revealed that the measure was aimed at addressing problems associated with distance as well as other challenges in the course of visiting families and loved ones.
SpyeTV reports that the Chief of Operations (Army), Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Akinjobi, said the welfare flight had been scheduled to cover three main hubs, namely: Lagos, Abuja and Maiduguri and that troops from Lagos will be housed and managed at Ikeja Cantonment, while those in Abuja will be at the Nigerian Army Forward Operational Base and those in Maiduguri will be at the Headquarters Theatre Command.
This is the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, continued support towards combating the insecurity especially in the North East and these efforts were beside the numerous in country flights organised for Military personnel for ease of movement in the conduct of their responsibility.
