... As NAF Conducts 8,665 Missions in 9,928 Sorties Within 15,915 Flying Hours in 3 months
The Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has applauded the outstanding achievements of some Nigerian Air Force personnel for their extraordinary gallantry and exceptional performance, led ground offensives that resulted in the elimination of notorious bandit leaders and gang members in Zamfara State.
The recognition and award ceremony took place during the 2024 NAF Training, Operations and Safety Seminar which commenced today, 4 December 2024, at the NAF Officers Mess and Suites in Kado, Abuja with the theme, "Agile and Resilient Air Power for National Security: Enhancing Safety and Optimizing NAF Air Operations to Combat Emerging Threats," which is aptly encapsulates, not only the critical interplay among the triad but also the strategic pathway to addressing the pressing demands of our time.
According to the Air Chief, this group of distinguished individuals, under OPERATION HADARIN DAJI, now OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA in the North West commended their dedication and courage exemplify the highest ideals of service to the nation.
Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar noted that while the entire country is grateful for their remarkable contributions, the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to recognizing, motivating, and rewarding such exemplary individuals in a manner befitting their service and sacrifice.
The Air Chief stressed that a review of NAF key performance indicators shows that, between June 2023 and September 2024, the Nigerian Air Force conducted 8,665 missions in 9,928 sorties within 15,915 flying hours. This underscores the magnitude of the relentless efforts of our personnel in all theatres of operations including OP HADIN KAI, FANSAN YAMMA, DELTA SAFE, SAFE HAVEN, AWA TSE, UDO KA and WHIRL STROKE.
"I would like to take this opportunity to commend all Air Component Commanders for their exceptional leadership and outstanding performance. As we look to the future, I charge you to build on this success and strive for even greater excellence, particularly with the anticipated induction of new platforms in the coming weeks and months.
He affirmed that the Nigerian Air Force has made significant strides in enhancing its operational readiness and safety protocols. Be that as it may, the emerging threats we face demand even greater collaboration, improved training frameworks, and the institutionalization of safety as a cornerstone of all operations.
The Chief of the Air Staff wings 28 new NAF pilots and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operators, noting that with 14 new platforms delivered and 50 more expected soon, the need for increased skilled aircrew cannot be overemphasized. The pilots and UAV operators were recognized for completing rigorous courses, including fighter, helicopter, and UAV pilot training conducted in Nigeria, Egypt, and the United States.
According to him, the training programs focused on advanced tactical, operational, and safety skills to enhance the NAF's readiness for contemporary security challenges.
Air Marshal Abubakar encouraged all participants at the seminar, "to engage actively in the discussions and contribute innovative ideas that will refine our strategies and give impetus to our drive to “transform the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments”, as encapsulated in my Command Philosophy."
The Training, Operations and Safety Seminar 2024 reinforces the NAF’s commitment to operational excellence and safety as well as its resolve to decisively address evolving threats to national security.