By Christel Odili
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has temporarily relocated to Maiduguri to lead the air operations
in search of the missing Dapchi girls. This was to enable him have first hand information on the progress of the air search efforts while giving directives as might be necessary. The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Monguno was equally at the NAF Base in Maiduguri, where he addressed the NAF personnel involved in the day and night air search operations.
Meanwhile, the NSA and the CAS also visited Damaturu, where they melt with Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State, during which they held useful discussions regarding the missing girls. Thereafter, the NSA, and CAS accompanied by other top military brass, travelled to Monguno to commission new projects at 171 NAF Detachment. The newly commissioned projects include the Unit’s Headquarters Complex, a block of 4 Single Officers’ Quarters, a block of 10 flats for airmen/airwomen and 2 helipads, all of which have just been constructed.
In his remarks during the commissioning ceremony, Air Marshal Abubakar declared that no efforts would be spared by the NAF in locating the missing girls, in conjunction with other security forces. He disclosed that the NAF pilots on different NAF platforms are operating day and night to locate the girls, adding that he had decided to temporarily relocate to Maiduguri, given the import of the unfortunate incident.
While commissioning the projects, the NSA lauded the monumental achievements of the NAF under its current leadership. He recalled that 171 NAF Detachment Monguno was only established in 2017 notwithstanding the accomplished development within the short period. He described the feats as a testimony to the zeal and commitment of the CAS to repositioning the NAF into a highly professional force in line with his clearly stated vision. The NSA also described the establishment of NAF presence in Monguno as being long overdue, as it would add the much needed value to the efforts of the other security agencies in ensuring peace in the Northeast.
Also commissioned yesterday, by the NSA, were a newly constructed Fire Fighting and an Aircraft Arming Bay at NAF Base Maiduguri. It is recalled that the Dapchi girls were declared missing on 19 February 2018 after reported attacks by BHTs following which the NAF immediately commenced an air search for them.