Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), has underscored the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) significant achievements over the past year while reiterating his resolve to intensify efforts against terrorism, insurgency, and other security threats.
During a meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, Directors, Commandants, and Commanders at NAF Headquarters in Abuja, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized the NAF’s proactive stance in meeting the expectations of the Federal Government and Nigerian citizens for a peaceful and secure nation conducive to prosperity.
He also addressed global and regional security dynamics, noting the impact of recent events such as coups in the West African sub-region and troop withdrawals from international peacekeeping missions. These developments, he cautioned, pose challenges to regional security, potentially exacerbating Nigeria’s security landscape with increased weapons proliferation and terrorist activities.
Despite these challenges, Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the NAF’s strategic adaptations and new air power measures implemented in the past 12 months. These initiatives have yielded significant progress in various operational fronts, including counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, anti-banditry operations, and combating oil theft.
Acknowledging the socio-economic factors influencing Nigeria’s security environment, such as high youth unemployment and inflation, Air Marshal Abubakar stressed the need for continuous adaptation and improvement within the NAF.
In concluding remarks, he commended NAF personnel for their dedication and support, citing their contributions to the achievements recorded under his leadership. The meeting served as a platform to review NAF objectives aligned with the CAS command philosophy, assess performance, address challenges, and strategize for future security needs.
The CAS affirmed his commitment to ensuring that the NAF remains agile, resilient, and capable of safeguarding Nigeria against evolving security threats.
