The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has urged senior officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to embrace innovation, strategic foresight, and decisive leadership as the Service refines its operational strategy for 2025.
Speaking at the First Quarter Meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), and Commandants, Air Marshal Abubakar underscored the need for proactive leadership to address evolving security challenges.
He stressed that modern warfare demands adaptability, highlighting lessons from ongoing conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Middle East crisis, where drone warfare, artificial intelligence, and electronic warfare have reshaped combat strategies.
To ensure the NAF remains at the forefront of airpower, the CAS called on senior officers to integrate advanced technologies, refine doctrines, and develop robust counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Counter-UAV) capabilities to protect national security.
Air Marshal Abubakar acknowledged the successes recorded in counterterrorism operations in the Northeast and Northwest, attributing them to improved synergy between the NAF and ground forces.
However, he cautioned against complacency, citing emerging threats such as the resurgence of Boko Haram, the proliferation of drone-based attacks, and instability in the Sahel region.
On regional security, he highlighted the potential impact of political shifts in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso on counterterrorism efforts.
The recent withdrawal of these countries from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), he noted, could affect the operational framework of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
He called for a more agile and adaptive approach from the NAF to address emerging security gaps.
Beyond military operations, the CAS stressed the importance of capability-based assessments to ensure the NAF remains agile and mission-ready.
He revealed that committees tasked with evaluating the Service’s core capabilities had completed their assessments and would present strategic recommendations during the meeting.
He urged officers to engage critically and provide actionable insights to shape the NAF’s operational roadmap for 2025.
“The leadership responsibility we carry is not just a duty; it is a calling that demands results driven by initiative, strategic planning, and foresight,” Air Marshal Abubakar stated.
“No idea is too small, and no concern is insignificant. The strength of our projections for 2025 will be shaped by the depth of our collective insights.”
The two-day meeting will review past achievements, identify challenges, and develop strategies to enhance NAF’s effectiveness. With a focus on innovation, inter-agency collaboration, and advanced technology, the NAF aims to strengthen Nigeria’s airspace security and national defense capabilities.
