The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has called on the Gombe State government for support to complete ongoing work at its Operational Base in the state. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to Governor Inuwa Yahaya on Saturday, as part of his one-day official engagement in Gombe.
The base, designated as the 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group of the Nigerian Air Force, spans 230 hectares near Gombe Airport in Lawanti, Akko Local Government Area. Abubakar highlighted NAF’s efforts to make the base habitable but acknowledged the need for further infrastructure, including additional accommodation, road networks, water supply, and electricity.
“Some personnel have been forced to seek alternative accommodations, leading to significant hotel bills that NAF has had to cover,” said Abubakar. He expressed hope that with the state’s support, the base could be fully completed to provide suitable housing for its officers.
The Air Chief’s visit was to assess the base’s progress and identify ongoing challenges. He praised the Gombe State government for its cooperation with NAF and other security agencies, noting that such collaboration has contributed to the state’s peace and stability.
Governor Yahaya, in response, commended NAF’s role in maintaining security in Gombe and the Northeast, particularly in combating insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities. He attributed the state’s relative peace to the efforts of the military and pledged continued support to NAF and other security organizations.
“We will assist in building additional structures at the NAF base and ensure the provision of water supply from Wuro Juli to the airport, the NAF base, Lawanti, Akko town, and surrounding villages,” Yahaya said.
He added that this project is included in the state’s 2024 budget and will be financed through a joint effort between the federal and state governments. Yahaya directed the Commissioner of Water Resources to expedite the process so that work can be completed before the end of the year.
