The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has reiterated the commitment and resolve of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to secure the lives and properties of law-abiding citizens whist sustaining the efforts at eradicating various security challenges confronting the Nation. The CAS stated this today, 3 December 2020, while commissioning some projects, which include an Administrative Block as well as furnished accommodation for both instructors and student officers at the Air Provost Training Centre (APTC) and a Medical Centre at 205 Combat Search and Rescue Group (205 CSARG), at NAF Base, Kerang, Plateau State. The commissioned projects would facilitate the deployment of additional personnel and assets to support anti-banditry operations under the auspices of Operation SAFE HAVEN.

Speaking further during the commissioning, the CAS, who was represented by the Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command (AOC GTC), Air Vice Marshal Idi Amin, noted that the current security landscape of the Country and the challenges it presents to National security require a robust approach which entails the effective and efficient employment of air power in all spectra of warfare as well as a robust organizational structure. The CAS disclosed that, in accordance with this approach, the Special Operations Command (SOC), comprising 13 specialized units, including 205 CSARG, was established as part of the NAF's efforts to expand its reach and capabilities, whilst also bringing security closer to the Nigerian people. He further disclosed that the GTC, with its subsidiary units spread across the country, including the recently established APTC, Kerang, was similarly established to meet emerging contingencies. The CAS however emphasized that security was not just about ‘bombs, bullets and rockets’ but is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement and cooperation of all citizens. He therefore urged all well-meaning Nigerians to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies in their efforts to rid the Nation of all its enemies.

Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar noted that the 205 CSARG had hitherto been operating without a standard Medical Centre while the APTC was also operating without required facilities. This, he said, necessitated the construction and furnishing of accommodation for instructors and students, in addition to the provision of a befitting Administrative Block for the Centre. The CAS further noted that there was also the need to construct and equip a Medical Centre to cater for the medical needs of personnel and their families on the Base as well as members of host communities. "Today’s event signifies our renewed commitment towards fulfilling one of the mandates of the Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, to Service Chiefs, which is to take the welfare and motivation of their personnel as a cardinal thrust of his Administration. Hence, the provision of necessary infrastructure for NAF personnel will continue to be one of our top priorities”, he added.

While urging the Commandant and staff to take advantage of every opportunity to make the APTC, a Centre of Excellence not only in Nigeria but the entire West African Sub-Region, the CAS used the opportunity to express gratitude to the C-in-C for his support in ensuring that the Armed Forces are better equipped in fulfilling their statutory responsibilities. “We promise to ensure the security of law-abiding citizens and uphold the present democratic ideals for the progress and prosperity of our fatherland. I will also not forget the efforts of members of the National Assembly for expeditiously appropriating funds to the NAF to enable the Service perform its constitutional roles with ease”, he added.

In his welcome address, the Commander CSARG, Air Commodore Elijah Ebiowe, appreciated the CAS for the massive infrastructural projects which, he said, was a testament to the premium the CAS places on the welfare of personnel as well as ensuring a conducive environment in NAF's operational Units and training institutions. He noted that the commissioning is taking place barely 3 months after the CAS commissioned accommodation for airmen instructors and students as well as a Joint Officers’ Mess for 205 CSARG and APTC. The commissioning of the projects, he further noted, highlighted the relentless efforts of the CAS in enhancing the welfare of personnel despite limited resources and other competing needs. According to him, the well-equipped Medical Centre, with its ambulance and well trained medical personnel, would make it easier for personnel and their families as well as civilians from surrounding communities to have access to qualitative primary health care. The Commander, who was grateful to Headquarters NAF for the numerous efforts in ensuring that the APTC environment is conducive for teaching and learning, promised to maintain the facilities and utilize them optimally for enhanced operational effectiveness.

Also present at the ceremony were the Paramount Ruler of Mangu, His Royal Majesty, Mishkaham Mwaghavul, Da Nelson Andak, as well as senior military officers and heads of security agencies in Kerang.