Gov Oyetola commends NAF as it conducts exercise 'Buje Ekun' in Osun
- Osun state governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, hailed the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for continually evolving ideas to tackle insecurity
- The Nigerian Air Force held another simulation exercise along the Akure-Oshogbo expressway, Ipetu-Ijesha in Osun state
- The exercise is a follow-up to the series of CT exercises earlier conducted in Kaduna, Kano and Minna
Osun state governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for continually evolving ideas to tackle the menace of insurgency and other forms of criminality in the country.
The governor made the commendation on Thursday, December 5 during the NAF Counter-Terrorism (CT) simulation exercise, nicknamed “BUJE EKUN”, held along the Akure-Oshogbo expressway, Ipetu-Ijesha in Osun state.
The simulation exercise, which is a follow-on to the series of CT exercises earlier conducted in Kaduna, Kano and Minna, was organized to demonstrate the combat readiness and effectiveness of the NAF in tackling security challenges across the country.
Represented by the deputy governor of the state, Mr Benedict Alabi, the governor said he was delighted that the NAF, along with other security agencies, had continued to build capacity to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians.
“The current leadership of the NAF has demonstrated the resolve to ensure that its officers and men are capable in performing their duties,” he said.
He said the timing of the exercise was auspicious as it afforded the NAF the opportunity to assess the efficacy of its capacity development efforts while building on the physical fitness and combat readiness of its personnel.
According to him, it would also deter criminal elements from destabilizing the state.
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Speaking earlier, the Chie of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Saddique Abubakar stated that the essence of the various operational exercises was to ensure that NAF personnel maintain a high level of combat readiness to meet the demands of the nation’s current security challenges.
Air Marshal Abubakar noted that airpower, being an essential instrument of national power, is a major requirement in the preservation of the nation’s territorial integrity.
“It must be stated that even with today’s modern weapon systems, it is the personnel with competence that will make the difference in any future conflict.
“This philosophy has been incorporated into our training policies to ensure every personnel attains a level of combat readiness to allow productivity in various duties and assignments,” he added.
Highlights of the CT Exercise included the operational briefing and giving of orders by the Commander 209 QRG Ipetu-Ijesha, Group Captain Daniel Komo, which was held behind closed doors.
This was followed by execution of the operational plan which featured the engagement of an enemy location by NAF fixed and rotary wing attack aircraft; insertion, by fast-roping, of NAF SF elements and movement of teams into the objective area as well as logistics re-supply of ammunition to the assaulting forces by tactical airdrop from a helicopter and subsequent arrest of the suspected armed bandits; extraction of the assault team and evacuation of a casualty by air, using the Super Puma Helicopter.
Meanwhile, the Air Force continues to record giant strides in its operations, especially with regard to female officers.
Already, another NAF female fighter pilot is grabbing the headlines with her achievements at the 403 Flying Training School (403 FTS) in Kano state.
Her name is Flying Officer Oluwadamilare Oke and she is one of the 15 student pilots undergoing Basic Flying Training at the school.
She has successfully conducted her first solo flight on the L-39ZA Jet Trainer Aircraft and she is the first female pilot to do so in the history of 403 FTS.
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