Maiduguri- President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the Service Chiefs in celebrating the 57th Independence Day Anniversary with frontline troops in Northeastern Nigeria.
The President’s aircraft touched down at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 105 Composite Group, where he was received by the Borno State Governor, other top government officials and the Service Chiefs, including the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
The NAF’s Director of Public Relation and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, in a statement on Sunday, disclosed that President Buhari was airlifted with a NAF Agusta 109 Light Utility Helicopter to the venue of the celebrations in Maimalari Barracks immediately after the brief reception at the NAF Base.
He pointed out that the visit of President Buhari went a long way in boosting the morale of the frontline personnel, who were obviously excited at seeing their C-in-C.
While addressing the frontline personnel, the President expressed the nation’s gratitude for the sacrifices being made by members of the Armed Forces.
He added that without their efforts, the relative peace being enjoyed by Nigerians would not have been possible.
He therefore commended them and promised that the nation would not spare expenses in ensuring the welfare of military personnel as well as in further enhancing their capacity.
President Buhari then took the time to personally interact with some of the personnel, especially those who had been wounded in action.
Also, the NAF added colour to the occasion with aerial displays by its aircraft, which are involved in the ongoing counterterrorism operations.
The NAF aircraft that participated in the aerial display included 2 x F-7Ni, 4 x Alpha Jet and 2 x L-49ZA. The following NAF helicopters also took part in the display: 2 x Agusta 109 LUH as well as one each of the Mi-35M, Mi-17 and the EC-135.
