By Sumaila Ogbaje, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA 

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has stressed the need for concerted efforts by all to flush out criminal elements from Delta and environs.

Abubakar said this on Wednesday in Asaba, while interfacing with Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta during a courtesy visit to the governor.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Abubakar also emphasised the need to also emplace effective civil-military cooperation where all parties could work as peace and security stakeholders.

He said that meaningful development would be difficult to attain without a peaceful environment, with negative consequences on the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.

The CAS called on residents of the state to continue to cooperate with security agencies in their concerted efforts to rid Delta of all criminal elements.

He thanked the governor for his disposition and firm support to the Armed Forces and the NAF in particular.

According to him, the priority the governor has been giving to security in Delta, especially in the last 12 months has fostered a more conducive environment for sustained socio-economic activities.

The Air Chief also thanked the governor for the allocation of a large expanse of land with Certificate of Occupancy to the NAF, at Osubi, measuring about 66.6 hectares.

According to him, this is for the development of a full-fledged NAF Base which signifies a landmark event in the history of Delta and NAF relations.

Responding, Oborevwori commended Abubakar for the commitment of the NAF in fighting the scourge of insecurity bedeviling the nation.

He said that the visit was a testimony to the strong bond and partnership between the state and the NAF.

The governor assured the CAS that his administration would soon commence the construction of the road leading to the 66.6 hectares of land allocated to the NAF.

He promised to allocate another parcel of land for the construction of Post-Service Housing Scheme for retiring NAF personnel in the state.

Oborevwori condemned in its entirety, the unfortunate incident of March 14, which resulted in the loss of lives of some personnel of the Nigerian Army at Okuama Village.

Highlight of the visit was the presentation of the Certificate of Occupancy for the 66.6 hectares of land at Osubi by the Governor to the CAS.

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA