The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) achieved 15,915 flying hours across all aircraft types, conducted more than 8,665 missions and 9,928 sorties to combat insecurity in the last 18 months.
Air Marshal Abubakar disclosed this at the NAF headquarters in Abuja, while playing host to the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Amb. Gabriel Aduda, who was on a familiarisation visit to the Armed Forces.
He said the operations were in the Force’s bid to tame security threats ravaging different parts of the country as result of the terrorists’ activities, crude oil thieves, banditry, kidnappers and other criminals wreaking havocs.
The Air Chief explained that the missions were carried out in different theatres of operations such as Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West and Operation Delta Safe in the Niger-Delta region.
According to him, others included Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke in Plateau State and the entire North-Central region, respectively, as well as Operation UDO KA in the South-East and Operation Awatse in the South-West part of the country.
He said, “While undergoing a focused transformation in line with my Command philosophy, the Nigerian Air Force has remained steadfast in its mission to secure Nigeria’s airspace and contribute effectively to enhancing our national security.
“Indeed, between June 2023 and December last year, the NAF conducted over 8,665 missions and 9,928 sorties, within 15,915 flying hours across all aircraft types.
“This underscores the magnitude of the relentless air efforts in all theatres of operations including OP HADIN KAI, FANSAN YAMMA, DELTA SAFE, SAFE HAVEN, AWA TSE, UDO KA and WHIRL STROKE.
“So far, our personnel have demonstrated professionalism, resilience, and unwavering dedication in the face of evolving security challenges. However, these efforts greatly depend on the continuous and solid support from the Ministry of Defence.”
Speaking earlier when he first visited Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Aduda said the Ministry of Defence would expedite action on the review of defence policy as a critical component of the national security.
He noted that the military would continue to collaborate with all the Services to ensure the policy was quickly reviewed, adding that the defence policy review may be an opportunity for them to begin to see how they can make that available for them in public service rules.
“I am already having meetings in those areas, drawing from international best practices to see how we can have the Armed Forces better positioned to enjoy stronger welfare provisions.
“One of such is for us to see very quickly if we also can begin to think in the area of mortgage finance. I mean, just as we have the Federal Mortgage Bank as you know, there has been a very good positive increase.
“Our civil servants can now take up to N50 million as loans and pay over time. Perhaps, we need to have one for the military and if we have it established and run with that, maybe more of our officers will not only have houses while serving but will have where to retire to,” Aduda stated.
