Gov AbdulRazaq Flags Off Exercise ‘Apejopo Idi’ In Eiyenkorin , Commends Security Agencies For Maintaining Peace In Kwara
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has flagged off Exercise ‘Apejopo Idi’ , an initiative of the Nigerian Air force, in Eiyenkorin and he has promised to keep making security of lives and property a priority of his administration.
The exercise was organized by 303 Medium Airlift Group, Nigerian Air force, Ilorin to tighten security in Eyenkorin-Pekke-Oko Olowo axis of Ilorin – Ogbomosho Express Way.
While commending the Nigerian Air force for initiating the exercise, the Governor noted the importance of security presence in the state, especially as the 2023 general election and the Yuletide season approach.
‘It is important that you don’t allow ungoverned space within Kwara. When you allow ungoverned spaces, non -state actors tend to infiltrate and commit atrocities. It is clear that the Nigerian Air force has taken over this place which is now a deterrent for non- state actors. We thank the Air force for this programme’ he said.
The governor also commended the deployment of a Super Tucano to help actualize the exercise.
‘As we know, the Super Tucanos are dynamic aircraft and it took the Federal Government a lot to acquire those aircraft, despite the issues raised by the US government.
A lot of confidence is being established through this exercise. Things are much better now to the extent that the militants are leaving Niger to try and cross to Kwara which is being defeated by our security agencies. Only last week, the Nigerian Army also sent some troops to the Niger State border to fortify there. Last month, the Nigerian Army deployed personnel to Ifelodun Local Government Area. All these are giving people confidence and making the state safer.
We are going into the holiday season; we will not allow anybody to disrupt the peace of the state, especially as the General Election draws closer’ he added.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq also disclosed that the Ilorin Aviation College has renewed its partnership with the Nigerian Air force.
“I met with the Chief of Air staff earlier this year to work out some kind of assistance to the College of Aviation. The Air force had previously engaged the College of Aviation but due to some activities in the college and misappropriation of Air force fund in the college by the previous administration, the Air force pulled out of the college. We have engaged them and the Air force is back to the college.
A Diamond 62 Aircraft will be stationed in Ilorin early next year. It will be used for training and all sort of surveillance. We thank the Air force and other security agencies. Non- state actors will move further away from the state because they can no longer operate in this area’ he said.
Commander, 303 Medium Airlift Group, Nigerian Airforce, Ilorin, Air Commodore Ibrahim Garba Jibia commended the governor for his continued interest in securing the state.
‘We know the interest you have when it comes to the security of Kwara State. You wholeheartedly support this exercise and we thank your Excellency.
When we sold the idea to you, we saw the interest with which you embraced it because the security of the people has been a major issue in your heart that you always share with us during security meetings’ he said.
Exercise Apejopo Idi, meaning Congregation of Eagles will be run until January next year and similar exercises will be conducted in other parts of the state.
Governor Abdulrazaq’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye noted in a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com that the flag off of the exercise which featured a simulation of a rescue mission by the Nigerian Air force was attended by the TIC Chairman of Asa Local Government , AbdulGaniyu Saad Atebishe, the Baale of Eyenkorin, AbdulWaheed Raji, vigilante groups and members of the Eyenkorin community- Team@orientactualmags.com
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