The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reiterated the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, while expressing confidence in the senior leadership’s ability to drive the ongoing transformation of the NAF. He made these statements during the CAS Second Biannual Meeting with Headquarters NAF Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs) of field commands, and Commandants of Tri-Service and major NAF institutions.
The two-day meeting, which began today at the Air Marshal MD Umar Blue Room, NAF Headquarters, served as a strategic platform for reviewing the NAF’s performance and charting new directions to enhance its operational effectiveness. In his opening remarks, Air Marshal Abubakar congratulated those newly appointed to leadership roles, highlighting their hard work and dedication. He urged them to continue upholding professionalism, integrity, and loyalty as they steer their respective branches and commands.
The CAS commended the efforts of the AOCs and Branch Chiefs, particularly in addressing the nation’s security challenges, including counterinsurgency operations in the North-West and anti-oil theft operations in the South-South. He credited their transformational leadership for recent successes but emphasized the need for continued innovation, resilience, and adaptability to confront evolving threats.
Reflecting on recent achievements, Air Marshal Abubakar noted that 12 new aircraft had been inducted into the NAF’s inventory over the past year, with an additional 50 aircraft expected by 2026. He described this period as a “Golden Era” for the Air Force, expressing optimism that the current leadership would continue to deliver the airpower required for Nigeria’s national defense.
The CAS also employed the “Observe-Orient-Decide-Act (OODA) Loop” decision-making framework to illustrate the need for commanders to remain agile in assessing and responding to emerging security challenges. He urged attendees to engage in open, objective dialogue during the meeting to further enhance the NAF’s capacity for decisive airpower employment.
In reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to President Tinubu’s vision for a safer and more secure Nigeria, the CAS pledged the Air Force’s full support in contributing to national security and stability. He noted the President’s determination to equip the Armed Forces with advanced weapons, platforms, and logistics to fulfill their constitutional duties effectively.
The CAS also expressed appreciation to the members of the 39 Regular Course for their continued support and wealth of experience, which has been instrumental in the ongoing transformation of the NAF. He concluded the event by expressing confidence that the outcomes of the meeting would further strengthen the Air Force’s capabilities in securing the country’s safety and prosperity.