Air chief: Military efforts have decimated terrorist leaders, foot soldiers

Hassan Abubakar, the chief of air staff, says the combined efforts of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and other security services have “decimated” many terrorist leaders.

Abubakar, who spoke in Abuja on Friday during the decoration of 22 newly promoted air vice marshals and 16 air commodores, said many foot soldiers of the terrorist groups have also been eliminated.

He said the air operational efforts across various theatres have been decisive in curtailing terrorists and cutting off their unfettered freedom of movement.

The air chief said the threats posed by non-state actors to national security require the emplacement of more robust security architecture for rapid employment of airpower in all spectrums of warfare.

He urged the newly promoted officers to bring to bear their vast operational knowledge and skills in adding value to the ongoing military operations.

Abubakar thanked President Bola Tinubu and the national assembly for their support to the Nigerian Air Force.

On his part, Idi Sani, NAF chief of administration, said the decorated officers were promoted after a thorough and painstaking evaluation and assessment by the promotion board.

Sani said the board found the senior officers worthy in character and professionalism and recommended them for promotion to the next hierarchy.

He said the promotion is a reward for their hard work, dedication and discipline.

“You must therefore continue to be diligent, focused and professional in the discharge of your duties and ensure you continue to add value to NAF and indeed the nation for recognising you today,” NAN quoted Sani as saying.