The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has issued a stern warning to institutions and communities surrounding Nigerian Air Force (NAF) bases nationwide against illegal encroachment on NAF lands due to its severe impact on national security.
This caution comes following a recent visit by the CAS to the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father (Dr) Hyacinth Alia, at Government House, Makurdi, where discussions were centered on encroachment issues by neighboring communities around the NAF Base in Makurdi.
Air Marshal Abubakar revealed that despite efforts to contain encroachment along the western boundary of the Base by fencing off affected areas, encroachment remains a persistent problem along the eastern boundary. He emphasized the potential repercussions of losing 1,537.8 hectares out of the original 4,486 hectares of NAF land allocated in 1977, amounting to a significant 34% loss.
“Ceding such a significant portion of NAF land would limit the necessary space for medium and long-term infrastructural development critical for future operational readiness and capability development,” the CAS stated, underscoring the strategic importance of the allocated land for national security objectives.
The CAS commended Governor Alia for establishing a tripartite committee involving representatives from the Benue State Government, the NAF, and affected communities to seek a lasting resolution to the encroachment issue. This committee has been tasked with finding a mutually agreeable solution to address the concerns of all parties involved.
Air Marshal Abubakar reiterated the NAF’s commitment to contributing to efforts aimed at curbing communal clashes, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in Benue State. He also praised Governor Alia’s support for the NAF and his proactive approach to addressing security challenges within the state.
The NAF Base in Makurdi, serving as the home of Tactical Air Command, was allocated the 4,486-hectare land in 1977 to fulfill operational and strategic national security objectives as outlined in the Signature Plan signed by then-Governor of Benue State, Colonel Abdullahi Shellenge. However, over the years, the land has faced persistent encroachment, leading to prolonged disputes between the NAF and neighboring communities.
Efforts to contain encroachment, particularly through fencing along the western boundary, have been partially successful, but challenges persist along the eastern boundary. The CAS’s visit underscores the critical need to address these encroachment issues to safeguard the operational effectiveness and security of NAF installations nationwide.
