The Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda PhD CON, has expressed strong optimism about the role of the newly deployed Special Air Force Squad in combating insecurity within the region, while pledging support to address operational challenges faced by the Air Force base.
During a high-profile visit to the 213 Forward Operational Base in Katsina, Governor Radda addressed the personnel, emphasizing the strategic importance of their presence. “The introduction of this Special Air Force Squad marks a turning point in our fight against insecurity,” the Governor stated. “Your capabilities will significantly enhance our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to security challenges across the state.”
The visit featured comprehensive briefings by key military personnel. The Commanding Officer of Quick Response Wing in Daura, Sqn Leader H. O. Raheem, showcased the joint operation areas and presented an operational map of Katsina state. He emphasized the critical nature of the squad’s mission, noting that “incidents of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, religious intolerance, and violence in different parts of Nigeria constitute significant threats to national security.”
Sqn Leader Raheem further explained that the attacks and threats on communities and civilian populations necessitate proactive approaches to protect lives and properties, which led to the deployment of the 213 Forward Operational Base in Katsina.
The Commanding Officer of Quick Response Wing in Daura, however, highlighted that three quick response wings of the 213 forward operations were established in Katsina, Daura, and Funtua to address security challenges and block the inflow of criminals. He pointed out logistical challenges, including the need for Armed Personnel Carriers (APCs), communication gadgets, and motorcycles.
Sqn Leader Raheem equally emphasized that lack of accommodation was hindering the deployment of adequate personnel to the Daura wing of command.
On his part, the Commander of the 213 Forward Operations Base Katsina, Air Commodore Garba Ibrahim Jibia, brought attention to the water scarcity problem facing the base. He explained that existing boreholes are unable to pump adequate water, forcing them to rely on water vendors.
Following the briefing, men of the Air Force Special Unit conducted a comprehensive demonstration, showcasing their expertise and readiness to tackle the security issues plaguing the state.
Impressed by the briefings and the display of capabilities, Governor Radda reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the military’s efforts. “Our administration stands ready to provide all necessary support to ensure the success of this crucial mission,” he declared. The Governor promised to look into the requests made for effective service delivery, including addressing the water and logistical challenges faced by the base.
Governor Radda observed that the state is recording progress in the area of Air Component Operation. He lauded the role of the military and other security personnel in the fight against banditry and all forms of criminality. “We have achieved a lot in the fight against insecurity,” the Governor stated, adding that the state administration had introduced a community security watch program intended to complement other security agencies in combating banditry in the state.
He expressed appreciation for the security agencies’ efforts in providing training to the personnel of the community security watch.
The integration of the Special Air Force Squad into the state’s security architecture represents a significant step towards creating a safer environment for all residents of Katsina State. This proactive approach, coupled with the Governor’s commitment to addressing operational challenges, aligns with the state government’s dedication to comprehensively tackling the complex security challenges facing the region.
Governor Radda was accompanied by the Commissioner for Internal Security, Dr. Nasir Muazu and the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Hon Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji.
