The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has said Nigeria’s democratic institutions, values, and principles are the foundation upon which the nation is built and it remains the constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian Air Force,(NAF) and sister services to protect and strengthen them.

Edward Gabkwet Air Vice Marshal Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force in a statement said the CAS made the comments in Gombe while interfacing with the State Governor, His Excellency, Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya.

Air Marshal Abubakar noted that though the burden of security rests squarely on the shoulders of state governors, they are nevertheless assured of the support of the Armed Forces and other security agencies as willing partners in ensuring that the freedom and rights of all Nigerians as enshrined in the constitution are upheld.

Speaking on the wanton destruction of lives and properties during the recent protest in Gombe State. Air Marshal Abubakar stated that realizing the protest was hijacked by unscrupulous elements, the need for extra security measures became necessary.

“This situation, according to him, led to the NAF deploying an aircraft for reconnaissance over the metropolis and other parts of the state while Regiment Forces joined sister security services in quelling the unrest.” He added

Responding, Governor Yahaya noted that though these were trying times for the nation, the commitment of NAF and other security agencies in subduing the various security challenges has made sure citizens can go about their livelihoods without much threat.

He commended the NAF 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group for their swift reaction in quelling the recent cases of looting and theft that accompanied the last civic protest. The Governor then assured the CAS of his Government’s commitment to assist in providing some infrastructure to the 109 CRG to enable the unit to function effectively.