Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has applauded 119 Composite Group of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for their sustained efforts in the fight against banditry and other forms of insecurity in the state.
Governor Aliyu made the commendation while speaking at the 2025 Base Socio-Cultural Activities (BASA) organised by 119 Composite Group in Sokoto.
He said Nigerian Air Force had made numerous positive sacrifices in keeping the country together as symbolized by BASA annual event which showcased different cultural and historical heritage of Nigeria.
Aliyu represented by the Commissioner Ministry for Local Government and Community Development, Dr Ibrahim Dade-Adare, described the celebration as an avenue that foster unity, harmony and brotherhood within the command and Nigeria’s environment.
He expressed confidence that Nigerian Armed forces remained the fulcrum and strategic institution capable of making Nigeria secured.
“The state government is saluting the Air force and their families for the resilience and sacrifices.
“We will continue to support you for sustained operations in defense of the country’s sovereignty as well as providing more security to the state,” he added.
In his remarks, the Commander 119 Composite Group, Group Captain Harry Gumut, said the annual event marks the end of the Year 2025 operational year and affords a unique opportunity to celebrate the unity, rich traditions, and cultural diversity that define the Nigerian Air Force families.
“Our culture defines who we are, and for us in the military, it reminds us of what we stand for and what we fight to protect.
“It also provides us with a unique opportunity to de-stress and strengthen the bond of solidarity, which is the bedrock of our profession.
“This occasion is more than a celebration, it is a crucible in which our dances, attire, music, and cuisine renew our sense of purpose, strengthen our bonds, and inspire us to look forward with optimism to the year ahead, as we remain steadfast in our duty to protect our people and defend our fatherland,” Group Captain Gumut said.
He said that 119 Composite Group has recorded remarkable success in alignment with the operational directives of Headquarters Nigerian Air Force.
“Despite the complex security environment within our area of responsibility in the State, our achievements in conjunction with Op FANSAN YAMMA Sector 2 Annex and other security agencies within the JOA yield positive results.
“The Unit has also made a milestone in creating and mobilizing Mobile Air Defence Teams (MADT) with the capability of protecting our critical assets at the airport as well as Internal Security operations within Sokoto Metropolis,” he noted.
He reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to the defense and security of the nation, despite the challenges, “we have resolved to remove all encumbrances to peace across our area of responsibility”.
Group Captain Gumut expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to force motivation, which remains a key enabler of his command philosophy.
He also commended Governor Aliyu for his support to NAF by providing some operational equipment, as well as the establishment of Operation FASAN YANMA sector 2 Annex at Hajj Camp.
The highlights of the BASA Sociocultural Activities was presentations of awards to personalities, best Airman and Airwoman who distinguished themselves while discharging their duties in the year 2025, tug of war between Magajiya team and Airwomen team where the Magajiya’s emerged winner, cultural display by different ethnic groups among others.