In a solemn address, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Nigerian Armed Forces, has underscored the significance of sustaining joint air, ground, and maritime strikes against various security threats as the most fitting tribute to the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives in the defense of Nigeria.
This statement comes as the nation approaches the 2024-Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a day set aside to honor and remember the gallantry of servicemen and women who paid the ultimate price.
The Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, relayed the sentiments of Air Marshal Abubakar in a statement, reinforcing the commitment of the armed forces to safeguarding the nation and ensuring that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes contribute to a peaceful and secure future for Nigeria.
Commending the Air Component Commanders for their effective coordination and successful execution of air strikes throughout the early part of 2024, CAS Abubakar emphasized the ongoing commitment to counterterrorism efforts. Notably, recent air interdiction strikes on January 13, 2024, at Tumbunma Baba near Lake Chad, carried out by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai, resulted in the elimination of several terrorists, as well as the destruction of their vehicles and structures.
Acknowledging the irreplaceable loss of the fallen heroes, Air Marshal Abubakar stressed the necessity of sustained efforts to restore peace and tranquility across the nation. He stated, “We have no excuse not to deliver on our mandate as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has provided the wherewithal for us to succeed. We must, therefore, continue to sustain the momentum of our operations and give our citizens the confidence they require to go about their businesses without fear.”
In a broader call to the Nigerian populace, CAS Abubakar urged citizens to express gratitude, goodwill, solidarity, and unrelenting prayers for the fallen heroes and their families. By doing so, he emphasized that the nation would not only honor these great patriots appropriately but also reassure those currently in service that their sacrifices would never be forgotten or forsaken during their times of need.
