The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Monday commissioned another Canine (K-9) Wing in Bauchi bringing to the number of K-9 Wings under the NAF 057 Provost Investigation Group to two.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, represented by the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Mohammed Idris, commissioned the K-9 Wing, which comprises an Administrative Block, Handler Accommodation and Kennel Building.
Prior to the commissioning, the NAF had trained 20 Air Provost Personnel alongside 20 Military Working Dogs (MWDs). The specialist trainings included explosive and narcotic substance detection, waterman-ship, navigation and rappelling. The establishment of the Wing now brings to 40 the total number of MWDs inducted into the Service since inception of the current NAF administration.
Abubakar said the commissioning was yet another milestone in the commitment of the NAF to opening and expanding new frontiers, towards providing the required secure environment for air operations to thrive.
He stated that the NAF, for the first time, undertook the training and enlistment of 5 Special Operation Dogs to further push the options for engagement of MWD in the Service.
He attested to the impressive contributions and capabilities that the Special Operations MWDs have brought to NAF ground operations and Base Defence efforts as evidenced during the various counterterrorism exercises conducted by the Service in 2019.
Air Marshal Abubakar also seized the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, for the determined support and laudable efforts in building the capacity of the NAF.
In his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Special Operations Command (SOC), AVM Charles Ohwo, said the K-9 Wing would further support measures to sustain the momentum and resolute determination to achieve the end state of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians.
The event, which featured demonstration of the capabilities of the MWDs, was attended by commanders of collocated NAF units in Bauchi as well as other senior military officers. Apart from the K-9 Wings in Abuja, and now Bauchi, the NAF also has smaller K-9 units in Port Harcourt, Yola, Maiduguri and Shasha.
