The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, on Tuesday, said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had flown about 3, 700 missions in the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North East east and operations against the bandits in the North West since the beginning of the year.
He disclosed this when he appeared before the House Committee on Air Force to defend the 2022 budget Appropriation
The Air Chief pointed out that NAF had recorded significant successes in these operations with cooperation from sister services and other security agencies.
According to him: “From January 2021 till date the NAF aircraft have flown about 7, 000 hours in over 4, 600 sorties and about 3700 missions in the ongoing counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations in the North Eastand operations against the bandits in the North West.”
He said in pursuing its mandate, the NAF inducted 16 newly-acquired aircraft into its fleet through the support of the Federal Government and the National Assembly.
According to him: “The NAF personnel have also enjoyed quality and local and foreign training. Between 2021 to date, a total of 2, 155 personnel have undergone both foreign and local training. Currently 390 are undergoing training in different countries across the world, while 3, 523 personnel are undergoing local training in various military institutions and other para-military institutions
“In line with the leading key driver of my vision the NAF has deployed doctrinal documents in all areas of our competences. Again looking at the welfare of personnel which is another key driver of my vision, in this regard this administration has embarked on various projects that have so far, had significant impact on personnel across NAF units from January till date
“One of the responsibilities of the NAF is providing aid to civil authorities in support of the government, the NAF airlifted materials and staff of government agencies such as the National Centre for Disease Control during the lockdown occasioned by the COVID 19 pandemic. The NAF also is periodically involved in the airlift of officials of the National Emergency Management Agency.
“It is pertinent to state that NAF has been actively involved in the airlift of INEC staff and also contributed over 400 troops to provide security before, during and after the recently concluded Anambra elections.
“In winning the hearts and minds of the citizens, especially our host communities, the NAF has been conducting humanitarian and welfare programmes across the nation. It is important to state that these achievements would not be possible without the assistance of the NASS through funds appropriated to the NAF as well as the support of the FG. We pledge to continue to do more.”
Chairman of the committee, Hon Shehu Koko assured stakeholders that the Committee was impressed by the successes recorded by the military against insurgency activitiies in the country and assured that adequate provisions would be made in support of the Services as the insurgents were becoming daring.
Budget defence was later done behind the closed doors for security reasons
