The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) dedication to enhancing the operational readiness of its functional aircraft to effectively address both existing and emerging security challenges. Air Marshal Abubakar conveyed this message today while engaging with officers and personnel during his inaugural operational inspection of the Air Training Command and affiliated NAF units located in Kaduna.
As conveyed by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, the CAS emphasized that the NAF would bolster its capacity to endure and excel in aerial operations within collaborative multi-agency environments. He articulated, “In order to uphold resilience in our operations, we must take proactive measures to ensure comprehensive maintenance and logistical support for our entire fleet. Each one of us has a role to play in propelling the NAF beyond the current serviceability average of 78 percent.”
The CAS commended the dedication of NAF personnel engaged in Operation Whirl Punch for their commitment to the mission of quelling the activities of criminal elements. He acknowledged their sacrifices and contributions, which have yielded positive outcomes in various parts of the North West and North Central regions, including the Federal Capital Territory.
Air Marshal Abubakar unveiled his command philosophy during the visit, emphasizing the transformation of the NAF into a nimble and tenacious force capable of effectively meeting the nation’s security airpower requirements across diverse operational landscapes. He urged all personnel to embrace this philosophy, highlighting his intention to leverage technology, innovation, past experiences, human resources, and aircraft assets to proficiently counter the security challenges confronting the nation.
Addressing safety concerns, the CAS implored personnel to adopt a safety-first mindset and consistently adhere to established safety protocols and regulations to avert accidents during air operations. He underlined that accidents typically result from a series of interconnected events, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in breaking this chain.
Regarding personnel development, Air Marshal Abubakar announced that both local and international training programs would be meticulously designed to address skill and capability gaps. He revealed that course selections would be based on merit, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates are chosen to deliver the highest value to the NAF.
Turning to welfare matters, Air Marshal Abubakar assured personnel that their entitlements would be promptly honored. He further pledged to intervene in prioritized areas to enhance training and operational efficiency, striving to improve the living conditions of personnel and their families in consideration of the nation’s economic circumstances. He encouraged prudent management of limited resources and stated that his administration would identify and prioritize critical needs and allocate resources to maximize their impact.
