NAF Begins Airlift of Relief Materials to Flood Victims in Maiduguri
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
In a response to the devastating floods in Maiduguri and surrounding communities, the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has commenced airlift missions, delivering life-saving relief materials to those in need.
This effort, aligns with its statutory role of providing Military Aid to Civil Authority, MACA, demonstrating NAF’s unwavering commitment to supporting civilian authorities in times of crisis.
The first airlift mission successfully delivered 300 bags of 50kg rice, at the NAF Base Maiduguri, the relief items were officially received by Air Commodore UU Idris, the Air Component Commander.
He handed them over to the Borno State Commissioner for Inter-Governmental and Special Duties, Alhaji Tukur Ibrahim, who was accompanied by Comptroller MD Malah of the Nigerian Customs Service.
From there, the materials were loaded onto heavy-duty trucks provided by the NAF and delivered to the Borno State Government House for swift distribution to flood-affected areas.
As part of a comprehensive humanitarian response, the NAF has also launched a medical outreach initiative.
This programme includes the provision of medical care, food, and clean water to address the immediate health and nutritional needs of the displaced population.
The outreach complements the relief airlift, ensuring that flood victims receive both material aid and essential services.
These missions show the vital role military assets play in disaster response.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal HB Abubakar has emphasised the NAF’s dedication to supporting national relief efforts and has directed collaboration with other agencies adding that airlift operations and medical support continue as long as necessary to reach all affected areas.
The NAF’s ongoing collaboration with other security agencies and humanitarian partners is a testament to its resolve to mobilise every available resource to assist flood victims.
The Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said the airlift missions will continue until relief efforts have effectively alleviated the suffering of the affected communities.
