Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has called for the deployment of more Air Force assets in the fight against bandits and criminal elements in the state.
The governor made the call when he paid a visit to the Nigerian Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja.
He said the deployment of Air Force personnel and fighter jets would help in having a more rapid response to any security threat.
Governor Umaru Bago also described the helicopter crash in the Shiroro local government area of the state as unfortunate and sympathised with the air chief.
He appreciated the efforts of the Nigerian Air Force in containing the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements in the state.
He assured the Nigerian Air Force of the state government's commitment to provide all the needed support, including accommodation and other facilities for personnel.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, thanked the governor for the visit and reiterated that the Nigerian Air Force will remain undaunted even in the face of challenges to deal with banditry and insurgency that have plagued the Northern Region.
Air Marshal Bala Abubakar also identified the government's approach as key to addressing the security challenges and called on Nigerians to support the Armed Forces through information sharing.