Nigerian Air Force Begins Airlift of Relief Materials to Flood Victims in Maiduguri

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched airlift missions to transport vital relief materials to communities in Maiduguri and its surrounding areas, which have been devastated by recent flood disasters.

The initiative is part of a broader national effort to assist those affected by the severe flooding.

In a statement released by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, it was revealed that the relief items, donated by the Nigerian Customs Service, are intended to alleviate the suffering of flood victims.

The floods have not only disrupted daily life but also caused significant destruction to property and displaced millions of residents in the region.

The first batch of relief items, consisting of 300 bags of 50kg rice, was successfully delivered to the NAF Base in Maiduguri.

The delivery was carried out using a NAF C-130 Hercules aircraft, which transported the supplies for onward distribution directly to affected households.

In addition to the airlift mission, the Nigerian Air Force has also initiated a medical outreach programme to provide essential healthcare services to flood victims.

This initiative includes feeding over 2,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), offering critical support to those most affected by the disaster.

Group Captain Ali noted that the airlift mission and medical outreach are part of the NAF’s ongoing efforts to contribute to national disaster response initiatives.

These efforts also underscore the critical role military assets play in supporting humanitarian crises across the country.

The statement further highlighted that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has ordered the continuation of relief operations for as long as necessary.

He instructed that the distribution of both relief materials and medical aid should reach all affected areas without delay.

“The Nigerian Air Force will persist in working closely with other security agencies to mobilise both human and material resources in support of flood victims,” the statement read.

This collaborative approach is designed to ensure the most effective and wide-reaching response to the crisis.

The NAF’s proactive engagement in the flood relief effort demonstrates its commitment to aiding disaster-stricken communities and providing much-needed relief to displaced residents, as the nation grapples with the aftermath of severe flooding in Maiduguri and beyond.