In a significant move aimed at fortifying international alliances in the ongoing fight against terrorism, Major General Matthew Beevers, the Adjutant General of the California National Guard (CNG), has reiterated the commitment to augment the existing partnership between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Californian National Guard.
In an official statement Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said the declaration was made during Major General Beevers’ courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force on December 6, 2023.
Major General Beevers underscored the crucial role played by the NAF as a vital strategic ally in the global campaign against terrorism, specifically addressing the challenges faced in Nigeria and across Africa. He further conveyed the readiness of the California National Guard to extend support to the NAF, particularly in the realms of equipment acquisition and training. Such support is anticipated to significantly enhance the NAF’s capabilities in its ongoing counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.
In response, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) for the Nigerian Air Force, reaffirmed NAF’s unwavering dedication to combatting terrorists and criminal activities within Nigeria. He expressed the NAF’s eagerness to bolster collaboration with the California National Guard and other strategic partners to effectively address the threats of terrorism and insurgency in the country.
Represented by Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, the Chief of Policy and Plans, CAS highlighted that Major General Beevers’ commitment to revitalized working relations signifies a positive stride in strengthening international cooperation. This aligns seamlessly with a key aspect of CAS’s Command Philosophy, emphasizing the imperative of enhanced strategic partnerships.
The CAS extended gratitude to the California National Guard and the United States (US) Government for their consistent support to the Nigerian Air Force in its mission. The accompanying delegation from the California National Guard included Mr. Joseph Kraus, the Political-Military Officer at the US Embassy Abuja, Lieutenant Colonel Megan Stromberg, the Women, Peace and Security Representative at the CNG, and Command Sergeant Major Kristin Caldwell of the 340th Brigade Support Battalion, along with staff from the US Embassy Defence Section.
