The Mobility Command of the Nigerian Air Force in Yenagoa has pledged tactical air support for the fight against kidnapping, oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.

AVM Emmanuel Akogu, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Mobility Command, made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) office in Yenagoa.

Okogu, who assumed duties recently, said that the Air Force was poised to work in collaboration with other security agencies to tackle the menace of kidnapping and oil theft in the region.

He said that the command would deploy aircraft at the Igbogene and Otuoke airstrips in Bayelsa to enhance operations and provide tactical air support whenever the need arises.

“I believe that making the two airstrips fully functional will assist Bayelsa in tackling kidnapping and other criminality in the waterways as well as in protecting oil pipelines and oil facilities. It is my plan to ensure that the Air Force takes the necessary steps to improve the security structure in place in Bayelsa to make the state safer for socio-economic activities in the coastal areas,” Akogu said.

The AOC disclosed that the Federal Government has provided the command with basic needs in terms of equipment, aircraft and decent accommodation of mini-barracks to accommodate its personnel.

He solicited the support of NAN as a dominant media content provider in the coverage of the command’s operation.

•Photo shows Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.