Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has called for a deeper and more effective security partnership with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of efforts to tackle insecurity and strengthen coordination between federal and state authorities.
The governor made the call during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he met with the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the visit underscored the governor’s determination to leverage strategic federal partnerships to address the persistent and evolving security challenges facing Plateau State and the wider North-Central region.
While conveying the goodwill of the Plateau State Government and its people, Governor Mutfwang congratulated Air Marshal Aneke on his appointment as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, commending the Air Force for its sustained efforts in promoting peace and responding to security threats within the state.
Describing the security situation as increasingly complex and characterised by asymmetric threats, the governor stressed that sustained collaboration remains critical to effectively countering emerging risks.
He particularly highlighted the need for heightened cooperation during festive periods and farming seasons, when security challenges often intensify, and reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to continue supporting NAF operations in the state.
Governor Mutfwang said a stronger partnership with the Air Force is essential to protecting lives, securing livelihoods and creating a stable environment for socio-economic activities across Plateau State.
In his response, Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to its command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in support of joint operations.
He highlighted the NAF’s ongoing contributions to peace and stability in Plateau State and the North-Central region through intelligence-driven operations, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, air mobility support and close collaboration with sister services and other security agencies.
The Chief of the Air Staff also expressed appreciation to the Plateau State Government for providing a conducive environment for NAF personnel and operations, noting that support from host communities and state governments remains vital to sustaining operational effectiveness.
Both leaders agreed on the need to further strengthen their partnership through enhanced capability development, optimised training and a whole-of-government approach to security, aimed at promoting seamless coordination across all levels of governance.
The engagement ended with a shared commitment to deepening peace, public safety and confidence, reaffirming the resolve of the Nigerian Air Force and the Plateau State Government to safeguard lives and support sustainable development.
Linus Aleke
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