Defence Minister Commends Gov. Otti for NAF Administrative Complex
Oru Leonard
UMUAHIA — The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has commended Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for strengthening national security through the construction of a new Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Administrative Complex in Umuahia.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony attended by Governor Otti and the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Minister described the project as a practical demonstration of how state governments can contribute to national security.
General Musa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing security in the South-East, stressing that lasting peace requires collaboration among all levels of government, security agencies, and citizens.
“National security is a shared responsibility. While the Armed Forces are constitutionally mandated to defend the nation, achieving lasting peace and stability requires active collaboration among all tiers of government, security agencies, and citizens,” he said.
He noted that the new administrative complex would strengthen operational planning, improve personnel management, and enhance the Nigerian Air Force’s readiness in combating terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and crude oil theft.
The Minister also charged Air Force personnel deployed to Abia State to maintain professionalism and foster cordial civil-military relations.
“We do not want to hear that you are causing problems for the civilian population. Abia is good—make it better, and ensure your presence brings peace and safety to the people,” he said.
General Musa linked the commissioning to broader security initiatives in the region, including the recent South-East Security Summit, assuring residents that resolutions reached at the summit would be fully implemented to promote lasting peace and economic prosperity.
Governor Otti described security as a fundamental right and said his administration embarked on the project to ensure the safety of Abia residents. He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the establishment of a Nigerian Air Force presence in the state.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Aneke, expressed appreciation to the Abia State Government for the facility and assured that the Air Force would make effective use of the infrastructure to strengthen security coverage across the region.
