NAF Chief to Troops: No Retreat Until Nigeria Is Secure
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has charged front lines troops of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), saying there will be no retreat until Nigeria is fully secure.
He gave the directive during his operational visit to troops in Katsina State, where he reinforced the military’s resolve amid ongoing efforts to defeat terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
Addressing the troops as part of the NAF’s 61st anniversary celebrations, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized that while progress has been made across various theatres of operation, the battle is far from over.
“Yes, we have achieved commendable milestones, but this is not the time to slow down. We must not rest on our oars. Now is the time to consolidate and intensify our air strikes against terrorists, insurgents, and bandits,” the CAS said.
He urged personnel to stay vigilant, resilient, and mission-focused, noting that NAF’s platforms remain fully deployed nationwide and continue to deliver precision airpower in support of joint operations.
Read Also:
He reminded the troops that the confidence of Nigerians rests on the shoulders of the armed forces, particularly the air component.
“The Nigerian people look to us for hope. Even as we mark 61 years of service, we must deliver more victories—victories that prove our resolve and reassure our citizens that the Air Force is alert, ready, and capable,” he said.
Air Marshal Abubakar also used the visit to inspect critical facilities and operational platforms, interact directly with airmen and officers, and assess the state of readiness on the ground.
He reiterated that troop welfare remains a top priority for NAF leadership.
“Our celebration is not just about looking back; it’s about reaffirming our future commitment. Our airmen and women must know that their sacrifices are valued—and that we are determined to give them every support necessary to succeed,” he said.
The visit to Katsina, a region that has borne the brunt of violent attacks by armed groups in recent years, comes at a time when national security remains high on the federal government’s agenda.
By PRNigeria