Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has solicited the support of the Nigerian Air Force to secure the Ovia area of the State from bandits and terrorists who use the river in the community to perpetuate havoc on residents.
He made the call when he received the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala at the Government House in Benin City.
The Air Chief on operational visit to to the 107 Air Maritime Group in Benin City. He is thankful to the Governor for the Certificate of Occupancy approved for the lands belonging to the Nigerian Air Force, which will protect them from encroachment. He is particular about the land at kilometre nine of Upper Siluko, which will be put to beneficial use for both the locality and the Air Force.
The 107 Air Maritime Group is primarily tasked with the responsibility of martime air surveillance of Nigeria’s maritime domain in concert with the Nigerian Navy, joint task forces and other maritime security agencies. It serves as a formidable deterrent against sea-based threats, providing either surveillance and security for the country’s vast coastline and rich marine resources.
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Its strategic location enables rapid response to the Gulf of Guinea to provide security for offshore oil platforms, sea lines of communications, and fishing activities. This effort also fosters regional cooperation and strengthens the country’s position as a leader in maritime security in the West African sub region.
Meanwhile, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar has commended personnel of the Air Maritime Group for their commitment to maintaining operational readiness and standards in the discharge of their duties.
Air Marshal Abubakar accompanied by some top management officers was received by Commander of the 107 Air Maritime Group, Nigerian Air Force, Benin City, Group Captain Victor Onu on arrival .
The visit which is the first since he assumed office, is to familiarise with officers and to inspect facilities such as the twin Shittu Alao Base,the Nigerian Air Force schools and other projects executed in the unit.
The Chief of the Air Staff had assumed duty on June 19, 2023 as the 22nd Chief of Air Staff.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)