The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has stated that as a Service subservient to the political class, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) state of readiness and preparedness remains paramount and must never be in doubt.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force Air Commodore Edward Gabkwe, this assertion was made by Air Marshal Abubakar during his inaugural meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, and NAF operational commanders on August 10, 2023, at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja. Despite this emphasis on readiness, Air Marshal Abubakar also underscored the significance of maintaining a non-partisan, patriotic, and highly professional stance among NAF personnel.
Air Marshal Abubakar acknowledged the intricate and multifaceted operating environment within Nigeria and the broader West African sub-region, which has substantial implications for the political landscape of the entire area. He further praised NAF operational commanders for their dedication in addressing the prevailing security challenges in the nation. He expressed his satisfaction with the increased intensity of air operations across all joint operations theaters, leading to remarkable accomplishments.
The Air Marshal acknowledged that although significant progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to fully achieve the NAF’s goals. He encouraged the commanders to engage openly and objectively, offering solutions and strategies that can be translated into actionable outcomes on the ground.
Prior to this meeting, Air Marshal Abubakar introduced his command philosophy, aimed at providing NAF personnel with a clear sense of his vision for the future direction of the Service. Taking into account the expanded NAF fleet and the current security environment, he emphasized the need for a well-thought-out strategy guided by a robust philosophy to effectively address the nation’s security challenges.
Air Marshal Abubakar’s command philosophy focuses on transforming the NAF into an agile and resilient force capable of meeting the demands of national security across various operational environments. He plans to leverage technology, innovation, lessons learned, and the expertise of the personnel and fleets at his disposal to counter the security threats facing the nation.
During the sidelines of the meeting, Air Marshal Abubakar recognized the exceptional dedication of 7 Air Warrant Officers by presenting them with brand new Hilux Toyota vehicles. This gesture aligns with his philosophy of enhancing welfare and infrastructural renewal to maintain a motivated force. He hoped that this recognition would inspire others to contribute their best to the growth of the NAF.
The meeting brought together key figures including Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, and commanders of Direct Reporting Units and Operation Units. The agenda covered pertinent topics related to improving ongoing air operations and the well-being of NAF personnel.
