Boko Haram: Air Force establishes quick response squad

Nigerian Air Force has established a unit called the Quick Response Force to combat Boko Haram, ethno-religious crises, kidnappings and evacuation of refugees from disaster zones.

The unit comprising 70 officers in Minna, Niger State will also be involved in the search and rescue of air crash victims, airborne rescue of flood victims as well as other security contingencies.

The QRF Commander, Air Com. Ben Chiobi, who paid a visit to the Comptroller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Mr. Segun Okebiorun, in Abuja on Monday, stated that the unit was not a military nor an ad hoc security outfit.

According to him, it is a strategic unit established to react to security emergencies and natural disasters at short notice, pending the arrival of a main force.

Chiobi stated that the unit would provide medical care and relief materials for victims of flood and other natural or man-made disasters.

He explained that his visit to the FFS was informed by the need to collaborate with the agency in firefighting and emergency rescue efforts.

Chiobi said, “The Quick Response Force is meant to respond to security challenges and emergency situations in any part of the country.

“Our assets lie in the fact that we have air power that can reach anywhere at anytime when the need arises and the unit is being positioned further with equipment and other capabilities. We came on this visit because we want to consider areas of collaboration with the Fire Service.”

Okebiorun said the fire service in emergency situations was important, adding that the fire agency was on the “threshold of revival”.

He observed that the QRF was in a good position to respond to emergencies in rural areas, even as he pledged to partner with the unit in disaster management.