Air Chief Justifies NAF’s Support of Op Python Dance

The Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Ground Training Command (GTC), Air Vice Marshal Samson Akpasa, has assured the Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu and the people of Abia State of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) commitment to resolving the security challenges in the State.

The AOC made this known while paying a courtesy call on the Governor at the Government House in Umuahia on Monday, 25 September 2017 as part of his familiarization tour of states within the Command’ Area of Responsibility.
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The AOC also intimated the Governor with the essence of the NAF’s deployment of air assets in support of Exercise EGWU EKE II (PYTHON DANCE II). The deployment, according to him, was in response to the Nigerian Army’s request for the simulation of Close Air Support in the exercise. He clarified that military exercises are preplanned and are meant to enhance capability of military formations in their constitutional task of ensuring the security of Nigerians.

The AOC also seized the opportunity to commiserate with the Governor and good people of Abia State on the demise of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sir Chijioke Nwakodo.

The Governor, in his response stressed that the GTC, which was recently created by the NAF, was a welcome development, as it would help in tackling security challenges in the country holistically. He urged the NAF to also ensure the deployment of adequate technology to checkmate crime. The Governor stated that Abia is the centre of commerce in the South East and therefore should receive adequate attention in terms of security. He solicited the NAF’s assistance in aerial surveillance on the region to prevent destruction of national assets. The Governor concluded by expressing his willingness to partner with the NAF on a day-to-day basis to ensure socio-political stability.

The GTC was recently established by the NAF, with Headquarters in Enugu, as part of measures to enhance specialized training towards meeting the contemporary security challenges being faced by the country.

OLATOKUNBO ADESANYA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force