Tag: NAF

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has charged Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel to uphold the service’s ethical values when engaging with the civilian population.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the inaugural Directorate of Sport and Physical Education Workshop, Air Marshal Abubakar said sports also strengthen civil-military relations, which is a crucial pillar of the national security framework.

The NAF Chief described the workshop’s theme, “Enhancing Fitness Management Activities to Improve Operational Efficiency in the NAF,” as apt and timely, noting that physical fitness is a critical component of combat preparedness and a force multiplier.

He said, “As we confront a dynamic and increasingly demanding security environment, the importance of physical readiness cannot be overstated. Physical fitness is a critical component of combat preparedness; it is, in fact, a force multiplier. It sharpens mental alertness, improves endurance, reduces fatigue, and enhances performance under pressure.

“Beyond its operational benefits, sports and physical education play a vital role in shaping character and instilling core values. Through physical training, our personnel learn discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and resilience, attributes essential not just in battle but in everyday military life. As such, we must continue to view sports not merely as recreation, but as a deliberate tool for building an agile, mission-ready force.”

According to him, it was in this spirit that the NAF had continually sought innovative ideas, modern training approaches, and evidence-based strategies to optimise its fitness programmes and maximise its sporting potential.

“Since assuming office, I have approved the construction and refurbishment of sporting facilities across several bases, including 013 QRF Minna, 213 FOB Katsina and NAF Base Enugu, among others,” the NAF Chief said.

“To revitalise our fitness infrastructure, modern gym equipment has been procured for over 22 units, with ongoing distribution to ensure wide accessibility. Additionally, efforts are underway to equip our units with archery gear and formally establish archery clubs across NAF Commands and Direct Reporting Units. These initiatives are designed to encourage broader participation in physical activities, such as our weekly Wednesday games, not only by personnel but also their families.”

Air Marshal Abubakar commended NAF athletes and coaches for consistently flying the NAF flag high in various competitions, noting that their achievements have brought pride and honour to the organisation.

“But remember, true success is not just measured by medals and trophies, but by the integrity, discipline, and sportsmanship you display.

Read Also: NAF airstrike eliminates 95 terrorists in Niger

“As ambassadors of the Nigerian Air Force, I urge you to consistently embody our values and ethics, especially when engaging with the civil population. Through sports, you are also strengthening civil-military relations, an increasingly important pillar of our national security framework,” he added. 

The Chief of Administration (NAF), Air Vice Marshal I Sanusi, said the workshop was conducted “to engage, listen, and learn from a wealth of experience of guest speakers and our invited senior officers, both serving and retired.”

He said their insights and perspectives remain “invaluable” as the NAF leadership forges ahead in transforming the Service into an even more agile, responsive, and resilient force.

Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has promised to make all its aircraft airworthy by the fourth quarter of the year.

He gave the pledge yesterday at the Aircraft Engineering Conference at NAF Headquarters, themed “Enhancing aircraft serviceability in the NAF through strong maintenance culture and strategic partnerships”.

 Air Marshal Abubakar stated that the NAF has been allocating significant resources to boost serviceability rates, dedicating funds to purchase consumables for the maintenance of its aircraft fleet.

He said: “Similarly, we have been relentless in ensuring the timely provision of critical spares as well as the provision of up-to-date technical publications, ground support equipment, tools, and specialised equipment.

“Through these efforts, we have achieved an average serviceability rate of about 72 per cent. However, the target is 90 per cent serviceability rate across all our platforms.

“In this regard, significant investments have been made to ensure that every operable aircraft in the NAF inventory becomes serviceable by the Fourth Quarter of 2025.”

The CAS emphasised that a robust maintenance culture is essential for high serviceability rates, enabling NAF to maintain operational effectiveness and deliver sustained air power in pursuit of national security goals.

 According to him, the NAF adopted a predictive maintenance culture in April, last year, enabling the Service to anticipate and schedule maintenance ahead of time, thereby preventing unexpected equipment failures.

He said: “As you are aware, in the last two years, the NAF has reached new heights in operational capability. Fifteen brand-new aircraft were received by the NAF, including six T-129 ATAK helicopters, two AW-109 Trekker Type A helicopters, three Beechcraft King Air aircraft, and four Diamond 62 aircraft.

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“Additional 49 platforms are expected before the end of 2026. They include three CASA 295 aircraft, 10 AW 109 Trekker Type B helicopters, 12 AH 1Z helicopters, and 24 M 346 fighter aircraft.

“These aircraft are high-tech platforms that require very sophisticated maintenance activities to operate effectively. Therefore, while taking proactive logistics actions and providing the needed maintenance resources, we must implement advanced, innovative, and data-driven aircraft and armament maintenance practices that ensure the optimal serviceability of all our aircraft.”

Air Marshal Abubakar described the theme of the conference as “apt and timely”, as it aligns with key elements of his Command Philosophy.

Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal AI Amodu, noted that aircraft engineering is the backbone that supported NAF’s mission and objectives.

According to him, in an era marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving threats, it is imperative that we embrace a proactive approach to engineering support.

He said: “This conference provides us with an invaluable opportunity to share insights, explore innovative strategies, and enhance our understanding of how effective aircraft maintenance culture can directly impact our operational readiness and efficiency.

“By fostering a culture that prioritises maintenance, we are not only extending the lifespan of our equipment but also enhancing our operational effectiveness.”

• Troops repel bandits in Kebbi, arrest kingpin in Nasrrawa

Several terrorists were killed when the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) bombed their convoy near Yarbuga in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

According to NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the strikes were conducted on July 9, based on real-time intelligence indicating the movement of nearly 150 motorcycles, each carrying about two armed terrorists, in the area.

Ejodame said: “After positive identification confirming the hostile presence, NAF aircraft engaged the convoy with devastating accuracy.”

He explained that survivors were seen fleeing on foot and on motorcycles as air assets maintained persistent surveillance and executed follow-up strikes, effectively disrupting the enemy’s withdrawal routes.

According to him, after the airstrikes, ground troops yesterday conducted a follow-up exploit mission to Yarbuga village.

“At the scene, remains of scores of terrorists and their weapons were found in the area, along with several burnt motorcycles,” Ejodame said.

Read Also: NAF neutralises scores of terrorists in strikes on logistics base

Also, the NAF 223 Light Battalion, Zuru, has successfully repelled a  bandits’ attack on Ribah town in Danko/ Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi.

A statement signed by the Director of Security, Cabinet Office, Abdulrahman Zagga, in Birnin Kebbi, yesterday, said that the attempted assault occurred on Wednesday and involved over 400 bandits seeking to overrun the area.

”A fierce gun battle ensued between the troops and the attackers, resulting in the elimination of many of the bandits. While some of the assailants managed to retrieve the corpses of their fallen comrades, others were left behind along with a cache of recovered weapons,” he said.

Zagga commended the bravery and resilience of the NAF in successfully repelling the attacks, explaining that the superior combat skills and determination of the troops turned the tide in their favour in spite of the threat posed by the large number of bandits initially.

He also acknowledged the swift intervention of the Nigerian Air Force whose fighter jet provided critical air support, bombing the fleeing bandits and inflicting heavy casualties. Though the gunfire caused initial panic and confusion within the community, the situation has since been brought under control and normalcy fully restored.