Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has performed the official ground breaking ceremony of 203 combat Reconnaissance Group of the Nigerian Airforce at the Gombe International Airport.
Performing the ceremony alongside Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Baba Abubakar on Monday, the governor expressed delight over the speed at which the 203 Reconnaissance group is being established in the state.
He said that the establishment of of the 203 Reconnaissance group is a reflection of quality leadership of the Nigerian Airforce under Air Marshal Sadiq Baba Abubakar.
“I noticed with keen interest the effort put in place to actualise the establishment of the combat Reconnaissance group as fast as possible, the land was allocated in August 2020 and today we are all here to witness the ground breaking ceremony”, the governor said.
Governor Inuwa applauded the steadfastness of the Chief of Air staff towards the project, urging officers and men of the Nigerian Airforce to maintain team spirit as they battle insurgency and other forms of criminality.
The Governor thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the establishment of the 203 combat Reconnaissance group despite the economic meltdown prompted by the covid-19 pandemic.
He also commended the President for providing the required support to the NAF in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram, banditry and other forms of criminality.
The governor equally commended members of the National Assembly for appropriating and approving the funds for the construction of this base.
He noted that the Geographical position of Gombe state in the North East places it at a strategic position for the siting of the Reconnaissance group of the Nigerian Airforce.
Governor Inuwa said the operational base will further boost the management of security in Gombe, the North-East and the country as a whole, adding that without security, no meaningful development can be achieved.
The Governor assured the Nigerian Airforce of his administration’s unflinching support as well as the cooperation and understanding of the people of the State towards the full operation and continuous stay of the group.
Earlier speaking, the Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar said the ground breaking ceremony marks the commencement of operations of the 203 Combat Reconnaissance Group of the Nigerian Airforce in Gombe state.
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his pragmatic leadership in supporting the expansion of the Nigerian Airforce and Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his zeal and determination towards the establishment of the base in Gombe.
He said prior to the coming of Muhammadu Buhari as president, the force had only two units in Yola and Maiduguri but has now expanded to virtually all the states within the North-East sub-region.
He informed the Governor that men and platforms have already been deployed to the forward operational base in Gombe and will begin engagements with the state government for a successful commencement of operations.
Air Marshal Abubakar noted that the establishment of the Base in Gombe is a clear testimony of the Federal Government’s commitment to overcoming the security challenges in the North East and the entire country.
“The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles that would be deployed here at the 203 Combat Reconnaissance Group, along with Force Protection component and other support elements, will undoubtedly bring new capabilities to the spectrum of operations of the Service”, the NAF boss said.
According to him, the move will further enhance the ability NAF to contain the threats to communities and citizens.
“The Commander as well as the first set of personnel to man the Unit are already posted to Gombe. And in the days and weeks ahead, they will work with the State Government to ensure that the Group is ready to commence active operations in the shortest possible time”, Air Marshal Sadiq said
