By Editor
The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has appealed to the Nigerian Air Force to establish a base in the state to effectively tackle security challenges bedeviling the area.
Gov. Idris made the plea while receiving the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar on a courtesy at Government House, Birnin Kebbi.
He said the call became imperative in view of the incursion of Lakurawa bandits from neighbouring countries of Niger and Benin Republics as well as activities of bandits operating from neighbouring Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger States.
He observed that Kebbi State has one of the best airports in Northern Nigeria, "which I believe can also be used to aid the troops on the ground.
"Kebbi State is strategic, because it shares boarders with two countries of Niger and Benin Republics.
"Before, the state used to be peaceful but with the incursion of Lakurawa bandits from the neighbouring countries, the state began to witness series of attacks.
"Apart from Lakurawa, other bandits who also come from Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger states to carry out serries of attacks on our people, after striking, they go back to their hideouts in those neighbouring states."
The governor said considering the gallant efforts of the security agencies operating in the state, the present administration had purchased 85 Toyota HILUX and distributed same to the personnel to ease their job and boost their morale.
Speaking on Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway project, in which Kebbi takes lion share of it, Gov. Idris said the state government had procured 20 Toyota HILUX for patrol, to give the side engineers and other workers adequate security to execute quality job.
"Of the 20 patrol vehicles, we have already handed over 10 to the personnel, while, the remaining 10 will also be given to them soon," he noted.
Gov idris observed that securing Kebbi was not only for the good the state alone but also for the security of other neighbouring states as well as the boarders linking Nigeria with other neighbouring countries.
The governor expressed satisfaction that the Nigerian Air Force was always playing its complementary role by responding to the state's requests, especially in rescue missions.
Earlier, the Chief of the Air Staff, said ensuring peace in Kebbi was not only vital to the state but to national security in view of its strategic location.
The air force boss said he was in Kebbi to review the operational readiness of personnel in the state and to have a first hand information about their operation.
He lauded the security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace in the state and the Northwest region.
While emphasising the importance of security to human existence, Abubakar said meaningful and successful development would not take place in an unsecured environment.
The air force chief therefore, solicited deeper and effective collaboration with Kebbi State Government to secure the entire region.
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