President Muhammadu Buhari, joined the Service Chiefs in celebrating the 57th Independence Day Anniversary with frontline troops in the country’s North-East, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, announced on Sunday.

He said: “The President’s aircraft touched down at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 105 Composite Group, where he was received by the Borno State Governor, other top government officials and the Service Chiefs, including the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar. Immediately after the brief reception at the NAF Base, President Buhari was airlifted with a NAF Agusta 109 Light Utility Helicopter to the venue of the celebrations in Maimalari Barracks.

“While addressing the frontline personnel, the President expressed the nation’s gratitude for the sacrifices being made by members of the Armed Forces. He added that without their efforts, the relative peace being enjoyed by Nigerians would not have been possible. He therefore commended them and promised that the nation would not spare expenses in ensuring the welfare of military personnel as well as in further enhancing their capacity.

“He then took the time to personally interact with some of the personnel, especially those who had been wounded in action. The NAF added colour to the occasion with aerial displays by its aircraft, which are involved in the ongoing counterterrorism operations. The NAF aircraft that participated in the aerial display included 2 x F-7Ni, 4 x Alpha Jet and 2 x L-49ZA. The following NAF helicopters also took part in the display: 2 x Agusta 109 LUH as well as one each of the Mi-35M, Mi-17 and the EC-135.

“The visit of President Buhari went a long way in boosting the morale of the frontline personnel, who were obviously excited at seeing their C-in-C.”