NAF Chief Declares: No Retreat, No Surrender Until Nigeria Is Secure
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) dedication to securing the country, vowing to sustain military operations until peace is fully restored.
Speaking at the opening of the NAF Administration Personnel Seminar in Abuja, themed “Optimising Contemporary Human Resources to Enhance Ongoing Transformation Initiatives of the NAF,” Abubakar emphasized the Air Force’s resolve to crush terrorism and banditry.
“We Will Hunt Down Criminals Wherever They Hide”
The Air Chief sent a strong message to criminals operating in ungoverned spaces:
“Air power will stretch the long arm of the law, ensuring justice is served. We will fight, fix, and strike down anyone who takes up arms against the state. I will not rest until Nigeria is safe for all,” he declared.
Abubakar also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering support for the Air Force, emphasizing the need for strategic manpower growth and discipline within the force.
Challenges Facing the NAF
The CAS identified key challenges affecting the Air Force, including:
Absence Without Leave (AWOL)
Drug abuse and substance misuse
Negative influence of social media
He stressed that the seminar serves as an opportunity to evaluate current policies and introduce innovative solutions to address these issues.
NAF’s Manpower to Surpass 30,000 by 2027
Highlighting the Air Force’s expansion, Abubakar revealed that NAF has experienced an 86% increase in personnel over the past 13 years, with recruitment rates doubling since 2013.
“Between 2017 and 2020, we witnessed the most significant growth surge. Currently, our officer-to-airmen ratio stands at 1:6,” he noted.
Under his leadership, over 530 officers have been commissioned, while approximately 2,300 airmen have been recruited.
“If we maintain this growth rate, the Nigerian Air Force will surpass 30,000 personnel by 2027,” Abubakar stated.
A Call for Transformation
The CAS urged participants at the seminar to think creatively and propose actionable solutions to advance the Air Force’s transformation initiatives.
With a commitment to discipline, efficiency, and operational strength, the NAF remains steadfast in its mission to protect Nigeria’s airspace and eliminate security threats.
👉 What are your thoughts on NAF’s security efforts? Share in the comments below!
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