From Usman Sani (Kaduna)
Airforce has re-assured Nigerians of its commitment to successfully executes its constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar gave the assurance at the flag off of a counter terrorism exercise code named: *EXERCISE TAIMAKO YA ZO* at Rijana village along Kaduna-Abuja xpressway.
Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar explained that in view of the security challenges in the country, the timing for the conduct of the exercise was apt, as it readily tests the physical readiness of its personnel to face these challenges.
He maintained that in 2019, the force had conducted counter terrorism exercises in Kaduna, Kano, Niger and Osun states to develop capacity on respond to counter-terrorism, airport security and anti-banditry operations, at ensuring personnel were trained and equipped to maintain high level of combat readiness and operational effectiveness.
Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar who described training as important aspects, noted that the exercise Taimako Ya Zo was based on a search and rescue mission designed towards rescueing downed aircrew who had to eject their aircraft in emergency situations.
Speaking, Air Officer Commanding, Special Operations, Air Vice Marshal Charles Ohwo explained that the combat search and rescue exercise was to rehearse the tactics, doctrine and synergy amongst first responders for effective operations of downed aircrew or other personnel.
According to him, the exercises, are to be a continuous process between January and June this year in the North West region is expected to deter criminals from attacking passengers on major highways.
Exercise Taimako Ya Zo is a Hausa sentence which means “help has come”.