CAS, Air Marshal Abubakar Reaffirms Loyalty to President Tinubu, Commits to NAF Transformation

CAS, Air Marshal Abubakar Reaffirms Loyalty to President Tinubu, Commits to NAF Transformation

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force's (NAF) unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He also expressed confidence in the leadership of the NAF senior officers as they continue to drive transformative efforts within the force to enhance operational effectiveness.

Speaking at the second biannual meeting with key NAF leaders, including Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), and Commandants of major NAF institutions, held on October 17, 2024, Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the significant progress made in recent months. He praised the dedication of the officers, particularly those newly appointed, urging them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty as they steer their respective branches and commands toward greater success.

The CAS commended the efforts of senior NAF leadership in counterinsurgency operations in the North-West and anti-oil theft operations in the South-South. He credited their innovative approaches and relentless efforts for the positive outcomes achieved so far but stressed the importance of remaining adaptable in the face of evolving security challenges.

During his address, Air Marshal Abubakar underscored recent achievements in the Nigerian Air Force, including the induction of 12 new aircraft in the past year, with plans to add 50 more to the fleet by 2026. He described this period as a "Golden Era" for the NAF and expressed optimism about the future under the current leadership.

The meeting served as a platform for reviewing and refining the NAF's strategies, with a focus on enhancing its operational capabilities. Air Marshal Abubakar invoked the decision-making framework of Colonel John Boyd's "Observe-Orient-Decide-Act (OODA) Loop" to emphasize the need for continuous assessment and decisive action to stay ahead of security threats.

Furthermore, the CAS reaffirmed the NAF's commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s vision for a more secure Nigeria, pledging that the Air Force would continue to contribute significantly to national defense. He also expressed gratitude to the 39 Regular Course members for their contributions and wealth of experience, which have been instrumental in the ongoing transformation of the NAF.

The two-day meeting is expected to yield actionable outcomes that will further enhance the Nigerian Air Force's capabilities, ensuring its readiness to meet Nigeria's airpower requirements in safeguarding national security.

*Olusola F. Akinboyewa*

*Air Commodore*

*Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force*  

*October 17, 2024*