The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, today led over one thousand officers, airmen, and airwomen in a 10-kilometre 4th Quarter route march in the Asokoro area, Abuja, urging personnel across the country to remain vigilant and ready at all times to confront insecurity.

Over 1,000 personnel participated in the quarterly route march organised by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Air Marshal Abubakar, who flagged off the 10-kilometre route march at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Asokoro, said the aim of the exercise was to keep officers and men physically and mentally fit.

All the generals, including the CAS, who participated in the walk, demonstrated leadership by example and completed the exercise to the finishing point.

According to Air Marshal Abubakar, route marching is a military tradition practised worldwide, aimed at ensuring that NAF officers, airmen, and airwomen are physically fit to handle the rigours and stress associated with their tasks and responsibilities.

An officer, after the exercise, noted that the CAS’s participation was a source of motivation for the personnel.

The CAS expressed his delight in joining his colleagues for the Fourth Quarter Route March Exercise.

“I am aware that the exercise is also taking place across several NAF locations this morning. This route march is not just a routine activity but an integral part of our military tradition, designed to maintain physical fitness, mental alertness, and camaraderie among personnel.

“From another perspective, it is also a show of force, reminding everyone of our readiness as a military force. The exercise we just completed demonstrates the dedication, resilience, and discipline that define the Nigerian Air Force.

“It serves as a reminder of the importance of physical and mental readiness in our line of duty. Fitness is a critical component of operational effectiveness, and as we face evolving security challenges, we must continuously sharpen our preparedness for the tasks ahead.

“Unfortunately, today’s route march comes on the heels of a tragic event involving the Nigerian Air Force. Five of our personnel recently embarked on a journey from Yola to represent the country at the African Military Games 2024, holding in Abuja.

“Sadly, their journey was cut short by a fatal accident, leaving us in shock. The NAF will not forget these gallant athletes or the families they left behind. Let us now observe a minute’s silence for the souls of the brave departed.”

Returning to the success of the fourth-quarter route march, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasised the importance of fitness in meeting the demands of their roles.

“This aligns with one of the key enablers of my Command Philosophy, which is ‘deliberate training and mission-oriented force development.’

“We remain committed to improving the standard of sporting facilities and providing an enabling environment to maintain our physical and mental readiness. I have approved the use of sporting facilities here at NAF Base Asokoro for this purpose.

“Additionally, I have approved the construction of a modern gym facility at SOC and directed the COA to assess the status of gyms across all NAF units. This assessment will guide necessary interventions to keep these gyms fully functional for the benefit of our personnel.

“In furtherance of fostering physical fitness, I have mandated active participation in the weekly Wednesday games. Sporting activities during these games should promote peaceful coexistence among personnel, their families, and host communities, while also serving as avenues for talent discovery for NAF’s participation in Armed Forces Games.

“The COA should also explore the possibility of organising Inter-Command Base Youth Competitions as a strategy to engage our wards and uncover hidden potentials.

“It is no secret that the NAF continues to contribute to sports development in the country. I take this opportunity to congratulate the NAF male volleyball team for topping the table in the Nigerian National Volleyball Division One League, securing promotion to the Premier League.

“Regarding achievements, I also commend the NAF team for their performance at the recently concluded Armed Forces Games (AFG) in Kaduna. I especially recognize LCPL Adeyemi AP of 053 HQ NAF Camp and LCPL Abu GM of the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Administration and Management for being the fastest men in the 100m and 200m events, respectively.

“To the other athletes who distinguished themselves, I say ‘Well done and keep it up.’ For those selected to compete in the upcoming Africa Military Games in Abuja, I encourage you to overcome the tragedy of the past week and excel in the competition. The NAF is deeply committed to your success.

“As we approach the final lap of the year, I urge all personnel to stay vigilant and focused. Our work is far from done, and the security environment demands that we remain adaptive, ready, and resilient. The Nigerian Air Force is committed to providing the resources and training necessary for your success in all operations and assignments,” Air Marshal Abubakar said.