Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has warned commanders in the force against any lapses during the general elections.

Abubakar, gave the warning when he met with NAF Headquarters Principal Staff Officers, PSOs, and Air Officers Commanding, AOCs, of the six field commands.

Abubakar said the commanders would be held personally responsible for any lapses in their Areas of Responsibility, AORs.

The meeting was aimed at further sensitising the PSOs and AOCs on the need to ensure that all NAF personnel remain apolitical while providing necessary support to the Nigeria Police, along with other civil security agencies, in ensuring peaceful conduct of the polls.

It also provided an avenue for the Air Chief to be briefed on the emergency contingency plans of the six NAF Commands for their AORs, as well as the deployment of aircraft assigned for support operations during the elections.

These include surveillance aircraft that would be deployed to potential flashpoints to provide real-time imagery intelligence that would be streamed live to the HQ NAF situation room, as well as command situation/operations rooms across the country.

Air Marshal Abubakar again reminded the PSOs and AOCs to ensure that personnel were professional and decisive in the discharge of their duties.

The NAF boss reiterated that personnel must sternly resist any entreaties by unscrupulous and self-centred individuals that were more concerned about themselves than the nation’s interests.

He implored the PSOs and AOCs to ensure that subordinate commanders remain focused on the discharge of their assigned tasks while encouraging their personnel not on essential duties to exercise their legitimate rights to vote.

NAF assured Nigerians that it was working the police and other security agencies to ensure their safety and security before, during and after the polls.

It advised all eligible voters to come out in mass to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to vote for the candidates of their choice on election days.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has provided a mobile Jet A-1 fueling facility to enable the refueling of its Helicopters that would operate out of the 23 Quick Response Wing (23 QRW) Nguroje, in Taraba.

Its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said the NAF in addition, also provided motorcycles as well as other equipment and tactical gear to Special Forces personnel in the Wing to enable them effectively carry out their assigned task.

He said the provision of the equipment was part of its quest to further enhance security on the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba.

” The action is in fulfillment of the promise made by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) , Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, during his maiden operational visit to the 23 QRW on Jan. 19,” he said.

He said Abubakar during the visit, promised that he would continue to do all within his power to provide the needed logistics support and resources that would enable the Wing function more effectively and efficiently in ensuring peace and security in the area.

” The general public is therefore encouraged to go out en mass to exercise their voting rights as their security is assured,” he said.