Tag: Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar

The Chief of Air Staff( NAF), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reaffirmed that protecting civilian populations is a top priority for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) across all operational theaters.

 He said this during his strategic visit to Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), a military operation against terrorists and other non-state actors in Northwest Nigeria.

 Air Marshal Abubakar emphasised that NAF operations must consistently employ precision strikes in a bid to sustain public trust.

 “Every action we take must demonstrate not only tactical efficiency but also strategic empathy,” he said.

 He said that the enduring trust of the people remains the NAF’s most potent force multiplier.

 He noted that NAF’s greatest force multiplier is the lasting trust of the people.

 The Chief of Air Staff, represented by Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, Chief of Civil-Military Relations at NAF Headquarters, emphasised that the recent high-level strategic engagement with Sector 2’s Air Component of OPFY underscores the NAF’s unwavering commitment to protecting civilians in frontline operations.

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 He commended troops for their string of tactical achievements under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, describing the successes as a testament to the transformational leadership and strategic foresight.

 The NAF boss stressed the significance of community cooperation in the success of ongoing operations.

 “This is the people’s Air Force, we are here to protect them,” he said.

 “But to be truly effective, we need their trust and the provision of timely, credible intelligence to decisively neutralise criminal elements.”

 While expressing confidence in the professionalism and discipline of NAF personnel, the CAS urged the troops to remain steadfast in their mission.

 Earlier, the Air Component Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Sector 2, Air Commodore Garba Ibrahim Jibia, described the visit of the Chief of Air Staff as a “morale booster and a strong reaffirmation of strategic leadership support” from NAF Headquarters.

 “The visit represents a critical move to reinforce the CAS’s directive that all air operations must align with international humanitarian law and best practices,” he said.

“It also affirms the NAF’s commitment to professional excellence, precision targeting, and enhanced synergy with ground troops and the civil populace in ongoing military campaigns.”

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has assured that the Nigerian Air Force will locate and eliminate terrorists wherever they are hiding.

He also assured that the NAF would continue to defend “every inch of our nation’s airspace” and stand firm in joint operations to protect lives and property across the country.

“Rest assured that your protection is not just an obligation, it is our highest priority,” Air Marshal Abubakar declared during the Second Quarter Route March in Abuja on Wednesday.

The NAF chief reaffirmed the service’s unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s airspace and protecting lives and property.

He said, “We will continue to defend every inch of our nation’s airspace and stand firm in joint operations to protect lives and property across the country. Rest assured, that your protection is not just an obligation, it is our highest priority.

“To the enemies of our nation, know this: there will be no hiding place for those who threaten the peace and stability of Nigeria. We are coming for you. We will find you and take you out.”

While noting that the journey toward national security and lasting peace is marked by challenges and obstacles, the NAF chief emphasised the significance of troops’ resilience to defeat the country’s adversaries.

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“Be that as it may, those who persevere, who stay the course with discipline, focus, and resilience, will ultimately arrive at the destination. And that destination, ladies and gentlemen, is the place of victory.”

The NAF boss thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to the Armed Forces and his investment in operational effectiveness and personnel welfare.

“On behalf of the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, I reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” he said.

Air Marshal Abubakar emphasised the significance of physical fitness tests in the NAF, noting that physical fitness is no longer a matter of choice but a non-negotiable requirement.

“As a matter of policy, I have directed that all Performance Evaluation Reports must be accompanied by a Physical Fitness Test Certificate,” he said.

“Furthermore, no personnel will be considered for promotion without being medically and physically fit.”

The CAS said he had approved the construction of modern sporting facilities across several NAF Bases and the procurement of advanced gym equipment for over 22 units, which would soon be distributed and installed.

“Let today’s route march be a reminder of who we are and what we stand for,” he said. 

“Let it rekindle our fighting spirit and reinforce our shared commitment to the defence of Nigeria. We are not just marching on roads, we are marching towards purpose, honour, and victory.”

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is implementing “a comprehensive and integrated counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system” to counter terrorists drones and safeguard the troops and air assets.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, disclosed this when he spoke at the first quarter meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs) and Commandant at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday.

He said the deployment of drones carrying locally fabricated grenade by Boko Haram terrorists to attack troops is one of the new threats in the fight against terrorists in the northeast.

The CAS said the incident, which was experienced against ground troops in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State in 2024, underscores the growing efforts of terrorists to proliferate drone attack technology.

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He said: “In the Northeast, recent high-profile attacks by Boko Haram on land forces locations suggest a renewed effort for the group to resurge. 

“A significant incident in the year 2024 was the employment of drones carrying locally fabricated grenades in a kamikaze role by Boko Haram Terrorists to attack their own troops in Wajiroko, Damboa Local Government Area. This incident underscores the growing efforts of terrorists to proliferate drone attack technology.

“Therefore, while leveraging advancements in technology and modern warfare to enhance the NAF’s operational effectiveness, it is equally critical to implement a comprehensive and integrated counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system to safeguard our troops and air assets.”

The NAF boss said the review of the security situation in 2024 revealed that the year was marked by both progress and persistent challenges in Nigeria’s security environment. 

According to him, the evolving threats, which include the resurgence of insurgency and terrorism, the use of drones by non-state actors, and regional geopolitical shifts, had necessitated “a forward-thinking approach and a reassessment of our strategies and operational capabilities.”

He said: “This is precisely why we conducted a holistic Capabilities Based Assessment (CBA) of the Nigerian Air Force to identify gaps in our core capabilities vis-à-vis the rapid transformation in the security landscape and emerging patterns of threat to our nation. 

“The objective is to develop strategies to ensure an agile, resilient, and operationally effective NAF capable of meeting national defence imperatives.”

“Beyond strengthening our operational capabilities, our engagements in 2024 also highlighted certain administrative issues that required thorough evaluation before final decisions could be made. 

“Therefore, various committees were tasked to look into those areas, and this meeting will also provide an avenue for those committees to brief on their work. 

“I therefore once again implore you to interrogate these briefs and provide meaningful contributions to shape our implementation plans and projections for year 2025.”

Air Marshal Abubakar reminded the senior officer that leadership is a responsibility, hence they must think strategically and with the foresight, adding that the success of service depends on adequate planning.

“As we deliberate today and tomorrow, I urge each of you to engage boldly and contribute meaningfully. No idea is too small, and no concern is insignificant. The strength of our projections for 2025 will be shaped by the depth of our collective insights,” he said.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says the success of the Nigerian Air Force is deeply rooted in the professionalism, dedication and discipline within the personnel.

Abubakar said this at the opening of the 4th Quarter Conference with the Air Warrant Officers (AWOs) and Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) of Nigerian Air Force Units, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The NAF boss said that AWOs and RSMs were the backbone of the service, the guardians of its customs and values, and the mentors of airmen and airwomen. 

He said that the senior Non-Commissioned Officers played critical role in supporting commanders to enforce service discipline and promote regimentation across NAF units. 

He said: “I must first express my gratitude to each of you for your unwavering commitment to duty and your pivotal role in maintaining the NAF’s operational excellence. 

“Let me also specially appreciate your immense contributions during the successful hosting and celebration of the NAF’s Sixtieth Anniversary earlier in May this year.  

“Our success as an Air Force is deeply rooted in the professionalism, dedication, and discipline you instill within the personnel. 

“I encourage you to raise the tempo as we continue to transform the NAF for higher operational excellence.”

Read Also: NAF kills terrorist commanders, fighters in Lake Chad Basin

The CAS said the conference was more than a review of the past one year; a strategic dialogue to consolidate on gains, critically examine any shortcomings and chart their course forward. 

He said it was also an avenue to interact and get feedback from them on issues affecting the airmen/airwomen in the NAF. 

According to him, his focus is to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed and leadership is strengthened at every level in the NAF for operational success. 

Abubakar said that NAF had achieved several significant milestones in line with his Command Philosophy: “To transform the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments.    

Air Marshal: “It is therefore necessary to keep you abreast of our performance and notable accomplishments so you can effectively carry along the airmen/airwomen under you. 

“Let me also reiterate that you AWOs/RSMs must be well acquainted with my Command Philosophy as you play a vital role in its accomplishment. 

“As AWOs and RSMs, you are all potential mentors to your subordinates given your years of experience and knowledge about the Service.” 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday launched its 2024 Research and Development (R&D) Retreat at NAF Headquarters Abuja as a practical demonstration of its dedication to strengthening indigenous technology and innovation,

The two-day retreat attracted experts and key stakeholders.focusing on advancing homegrown technology to enhance national defence capabilities. 

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, while declaring the retreat open, emphasised the importance of research and development in reducing foreign dependence and strengthening self-sustained operational capabilities.

He said that his firsthand experiences as a field commander underscored the necessity of this shift, especially as the NAF prepares to incorporate 50 new aircraft between 2024 and 2026. 

The CAS said that building indigenous capacity for aircraft manufacturing and maintenance would be essential to sustaining NAF’s fleet sustenance and operational effectiveness.

He said the retreat would provide a crucial platform for experts to “generate ideas that will transform the Nigerian Air Force’s R&D efforts from initial concepts to tangible, operational outcomes.”

Read Also: NAF strikes kill ISWAP commander, 49 others in Borno

The NAF boss recognised key strategic partnerships with UAVision of Portugal and Serbia’s Zenith Prom, aimed at technology transfer and indigenous production.

He said: “Recent advancements include the TSAIGUMI UAV project and the development of the Nigerian Air Force Integrated Management System (NAFIMS), designed to unify digital platforms and streamline decision-making.”

The CAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for unwavering support for the NAF’s transformation into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of Nigeria’s national security in all operational environments.

Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi Amesinlola, emphasised the role of the transformation and innovation branch in coordinating NAF’s research and development efforts, noting that the branch was established and empowered under the Chief of the Air Staff’s leadership. 

Reflecting on NAF’s progress in Research and Development since its last retreat in 2015, AVM Amesinlola called attention to NAF’s recent achievements in drone technology, weapon development, and spares fabrication. 

He said: “This Retreat accords us the opportunity to generate new ideas and approaches towards prioritizing R&D, cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships in support of the Chief of the Air Staff’s ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Air Force.” 

He expressed enthusiasm for the involvement of stakeholders who would contribute valuable insights on moving Research and Development concepts from prototype to operationalization.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has said that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will take delivery of fifty brand new aircraft between December this year and 2026.

Air Marshal Abubakar said this at the second biannual meeting with Branch chiefs and Air Officers Commanding, on Thursday in Abuja. 

He said that NAF had successfully inducted 12 aircraft into its inventory over the past year, saying it was a remarkable achievement that the NAF had not witnessed in a very long time. 

According to him, these are exciting times that demand innovative thinking, resilience, and dedication. 

He encouraged you to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty as they contribute to the overall mission of the NAF.

He said: “A few months ago, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force, which ushered us into a golden era of transformation and evolution. 

“Over the past year, we have successfully inducted 12 aircraft into our inventory, and God willing, we shall take delivery of 50 brand new aircraft between December this year and 2026. 

“This is a remarkable achievement that we have not witnessed in a very long time. 

“Indeed, these are exciting times that demand innovative thinking, resilience, and dedication. 

“I am confident that, under your leadership, the men and women under your command will rise to the occasion and excel in all tasks set before them.”

The CAS said that several critical issues were discussed leading to a number of resolutions and recommendations during the last meeting with Branch chiefs and AOCs in June. 

Read Also: NAF completes airlift of First Lady’s relief materials to Borno flood victims

He said that a number of those resolutions had been implemented including the establishment of two new staff branches, namely the Civil Military Relations Branch and NAF Transformation and Innovation Branch. 

The CAS said: “Over the past few months, we have also seen progress in several key areas. 

“Our air operations, particularly the expanded counterinsurgency in the North-West region as well as anti-oil theft operations in the South-South have yielded significant results. 

“This would not have been possible without the transformational leadership of Branch Chiefs and AOCs as well as the relentless efforts and dedication of the officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force. 

“It is your tireless work, both on the frontlines and behind the scenes, that drives our mission forward. 

“Despite our successes, more needs to be done, especially as regards the application of airpower to meet national security imperatives.”

Abubakar said the meeting would offer them the opportunity to critically review progress, address shortcomings, recalibrate strategies and strengthen their unity of purpose towards achieving the desired objectives. 

He said the decisions made from the forum must be grounded in sound judgment and a firm grasp of their objectives.