The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has hailed Gov. Peter Mbah’s support to security agencies in Enugu State to combat crime and criminalities.
Aneke stated this during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Enugu, on Thursday.
The CAS said that the visit was part of his working tour of the state since his elevation as Chief of the Air Staff by President Bola Tinubu.
He praised the governor for the consistent support extended to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies.
He said that the cooperation had significantly enhanced operational effectiveness and contributed to the peace, safety, and stability currently enjoyed in the state.
“Enugu State and the Nigerian Air Force have enjoyed a long-standing partnership. We appreciate the support your administration has given to us.
“We are here with open arms to deepen collaboration so that Enugu remains safe and becomes a thriving business hub.
“I am fully at your service to ensure that the people of Enugu continue to enjoy peace and security,” he said.
He equally commended the pace of transformation and quality of governance in Enugu State under Mbah administration, describing the governor as “a new sheriff in town.”
The service chief said he was struck by the visible changes in the state, even before landing, stressing that Enugu had undergone remarkable transformation compared to his previous visits.
“We are here because of the transformational, visionary leadership you are giving to this state. Even from the air, what I was seeing is not what I saw the last time I came to Enugu.
“I am so proud to have someone like you as a governor in my state and I am here to work with you to achieve the purpose of government,” he added.
In his response, Mbah described the CAS as a “worthy son of Enugu State, who had distinguished himself in national service.
“When a son has discharged his duty with honour and excellence, both in career and service to the nation, it is only fitting to welcome him with pride. We are extremely proud of you,” the governor said.
He recounted how Aneke had demonstrated exceptional commitment to national security, recalling his swift intervention in Enugu.
The governor also acknowledged the strong cooperation between the state government and Air Force personnel stationed in Enugu.
He revealed that joint security operations had led to the dismantling of criminal hideouts that could have evolved into major camps for criminal elements.
He disclosed that areas previously threatened by criminal activities were now being converted into large-scale farm estates as part of the administration’s strategy to combine security with economic productivity.
“Our approach is clear: forests and idle lands must not become havens for criminals. We would rather have farms and economic activities thriving there. Security and development must go hand in hand,” Mbah said.
The governor further assured the Nigerian Air Force of the state’s readiness to expand collaboration, including the provision of land for resettlement homes, farming projects, and other initiatives to support officers and personnel who had served the nation.
He commended the Air Force leadership for the renewed momentum in the fight against insurgency and banditry, pledging sustained cooperation to ensure lasting peace and inclusive development in Enugu State.