The Chief of the Air Staff (COAS), Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, has pledged to work with the Kogi State government to tackle insecurity and banditry in the ‘State.
Amao made this known in Abuja on Monday when Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi visited him.
He assured Bello that following President Muhammadu Buhari’s directives, the Air Force would work together to eliminate bandits in any part of the state and across Nigeria.
He described the leadership of the state governor as exceptional.
“Well, we know the challenges we are facing right now, but let me assure you that the president has given us his mandate to eliminate bandits wherever they are in this country.
“We will work with you as quickly as possible to keep the lives and property of the people of Kogi safe.
“So let me assure you that we are ready to root out the bandits, unless they decide to leave Nigerian soil,” he said.
While presenting memorabilia to the governor, the chief of the air staff said the gift was in recognition of the governor’s exceptional leadership he was providing to his people.
Earlier, Bello said his visit to the Air Force chief was to offer his personal condolences to him, as well as to the Nigerian Air Force and the entire military for the unfortunate death of the army chief of staff, the lieutenant-general. Ibrahim Attahiru, Senior officers and pilots of the Air Force.
The governor commended Amao for the Nigerian Air Force’s effort in air operations against Boko Haram and bandits in troubled areas of Nigeria.
He noted that without major cooperation from the Nigerian Air Force, successes against insecurity in Nigeria would remain minimal, stressing that air operations were yielding results.
While congratulating Amao, the governor said that obtaining his current post and rank in military service was the result of his outstanding service and exceptional professional discipline over the years.
He assured the Air Force chief of his administration’s commitment and cooperation with the force and other security agencies in the fight against insecurity in Kogi. (NAN)
