In furtherance of efforts to extend the reach of its operations in the fight against armed banditry and other criminal activities in the North West of the Country, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to establish a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Funtua, Katsina State. This was made known today, 7 January 2021, by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, while on an inspection visit to the site of the FOB.

The CAS, who was accompanied on the visit by the Air Officers Commanding of the Air Training Command and Special Operations Command as well as some Branch Chiefs and Directors from the NAF Headquarters, was received at the FOB site by the Sarkin Maskan Katsina, the District Head of Funtua, Alhaji Idris Sambo, as well as the Head of Administration, Funtua Local Government Area, Alhaji Umar Mustapha, who both expressed delight with the development. They remarked that the establishment of the FOB would translate to enhanced security, thereby contributing to the improvement of the overall well-being of the people of the area.

Speaking to the Press after the site inspection, Air Marshal Abubakar stated that the NAF, working in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies, remains irrevocably committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians, wherever they may reside. He highlighted that the new FOB, when completed, would reduce the response time of NAF attack aircraft to emergencies within the area, thereby bringing security even closer to the people. He therefore solicited the support and cooperation of the people of the area for the successful take-off of the project.

While noting that security is an all-inclusive endeavour that requires the involvement of all citizens, the CAS equally encouraged all people in the affected areas to provide relevant information that would assist security agencies in ensuring their protection. Air Marshal Abubakar, while expressing appreciation to the Katsina State Government for allocating the land to the NAF, also directed the NAF Directorate of Works and support elements to immediately commence work, towards speedy completion of the project.