The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has initiated airlift operations to deliver relief materials to flood-affected communities in Maiduguri and surrounding areas in Borno State.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Sunday by Group Captain Kabiru Ali, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF.
In the statement, NAF highlighted that this effort aligns with its role in providing Military Aid to Civil Authority (MACA). The relief materials, donated by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), are aimed at alleviating the suffering of those impacted by the floods, which have displaced millions, destroyed properties, and disrupted daily life.
The airlift missions, which began on September 14, 2024, saw the successful delivery of 300 bags of 50kg rice in the first batch, transported via the NAF C-130 Hercules aircraft to NAF Base Maiduguri.
Upon arrival, the materials were received by the Air Component Commander, Air Commodore UU Idris, and handed over to Alhaji Tukur Ibrahim, the Borno State Commissioner for Inter-Governmental and Special Duties. The Comptroller of the Nigerian Customs Service, MD Malah, was also present. From there, heavy-duty trucks provided by the NAF transported the materials to the Borno State Government House for further distribution.
In addition to the airlift operations, the NAF had earlier launched a medical outreach to provide further assistance to flood victims. This initiative included feeding over 2,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), along with providing essential medical supplies, food, and clean water.
The NAF emphasized that its airlift missions and medical outreach are part of a broader national disaster response strategy, showcasing the military’s crucial role in humanitarian efforts. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal HB Abubakar, has directed that these operations continue as long as necessary to ensure that aid reaches all affected communities.
The NAF also confirmed its ongoing collaboration with other security agencies to ensure the continuous mobilization of resources in support of flood victims.
