The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) today commissioned a new Administrative Block and other facilities for its recently established K-9 Wing at the NAF Base Abuja.
This was in furtherance of efforts to complement existing measures to strengthen the NAF’s Base Defence system. The newly commissioned facilities would provide an enabling environment for personnel deployed to the recently established Wing to function properly in their new roles.
The NAF had earlier this year, acquired 20 highly trained dogs which have the ability to detect Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and narcotic substances. The dogs, which would be randomly deployed for use at military checkpoints and military installations, could also be used at critical national assets.
In his remarks at the occasion, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Headquarters NAF, Air Vice Marshal Alhaji Muhammed, stated that the current security situation in Nigeria and the challenges it presents to the wellbeing and prosperity of Nigerians requires a pragmatic approach.
“It is our responsibility, therefore, to be proactive with a view to minimizing undesirable security infractions”. “This is part of why we have acquired these specially trained dogs”, he added. The CAS charged personnel of the new K-9 Wing to make maximum use of the newly provided facilities towards ensuring that the dogs add sufficient value to the NAF’s Base Defence system. In addition, he asked the dog handlers to be very mindful of the ever-changing security architecture with its complexities.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Administration (COA), Air Vice Marshal Lawal Alao, appreciated the vision of the CAS in setting up the robust K-9 Wing to complement efforts to meet the NAF’s security needs. He then promised that necessary steps would be taken to justify the investments in establishing the special unit.
The NAF K-9 Wing, which was established in February 2017, is responsible to the Directorate of Air Provost, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force. The highlights of the occasion were various demonstrations by the dog handlers to detect hidden IED components in various bags. The dogs also participated in an obstacles crossing exercise to the admiration and excitement of guests.
