Nigeria Air Force to Overhaul Operational Environment

The Nigerian Air Force will soon undertake an overhaul of its entire operations, in view of the need to readapt to the ever-dynamic nature of the current operational environment. This was made known by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar at the weekly Operations Briefing held earlier today at the Strategic Operations Centre, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Abuja. Speaking further, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar observed that the overhaul of the operational environment became expedient in order to maximize the potentials of jointness as being exhibited by members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and other security agencies. He however noted that the need for attitudinal change by all NAF personnel was imperative if the gains of an overhaul of the entire operational environment were to be maximized. According to the CAS, “Without the right attitude by the officers and men of the NAF, any form of overhaul undertaken by the Service will be a waste of time and resources.”

While commending the efforts of NAF personnel especially those at the various operational theatres for their commitment and dedication to ongoing counterterrorism operations, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar reiterated the need for all to redouble their efforts towards ensuring that all forms of criminality were eradicated from the society. The CAS also noted that though there was the need to employ non-kinetic means of reaching out to those aggrieved, which does not fall within the purview of the military, air and ground operations must be sustained. He also stated that under his watch, an all-inclusive leadership style would be imbibed where every personnel would be carried along, while also ensuring that welfare, infrastructural development and all operational needs are given due consideration.

The CAS also spoke about his command philosophy which, he stated, will be coined out of the vision and mission of the AFN as encapsulated in the 2017 National Defence Policy document. According to him, the need to adhere and key into a single vision and mission by the AFN will enhance synergy of purpose while improving jointness, cooperation and esprit de corps. He went on to note that his command philosophy aims at providing a holistic view of how to accomplish assigned missions, get the various parts of the NAF working in unison and thriving, while also safeguarding the welfare of all personnel.