NAF Flew Over 15,000 Hours, Completed 8,665 Missions in 18 Months to Combat Insecurity — CAS
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has revealed that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) flew a total of 15,915 hours across all aircraft types and conducted more than 8,665 missions and 9,928 sorties in the past 18 months to address insecurity in the country.
Air Marshal Abubakar made the disclosure at the NAF headquarters in Abuja during a visit by the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, who was familiarizing himself with the Armed Forces.
The CAS explained that these operations were part of the NAF’s efforts to combat a wide range of security threats, including terrorism, crude oil theft, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities plaguing different parts of Nigeria.
He elaborated on the various theaters of operations where these missions were carried out, including Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West, Operation Delta Safe in the Niger Delta, and Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State. Additionally, the NAF conducted operations in the North-Central (Operation Whirl Stroke), South-East (Operation UDO KA), and South-West (Operation Awatse) regions of the country.
In his statement, Air Marshal Abubakar 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. Between June 2023 and December last year, the NAF conducted over 8,665 missions and 9,928 sorties, accumulating a total of 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.”
He acknowledged the professionalism, resilience, and dedication of NAF personnel, emphasizing that these efforts were made possible by the ongoing support from the Ministry of Defence.
Earlier in the day, during his visit to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Ambassador Aduda stated that the Ministry of Defence would expedite the review of the national defense policy. He highlighted that this review would be an essential step in enhancing national security, ensuring that the military services are better positioned to meet evolving challenges.
Aduda also discussed potential improvements in the welfare of armed forces personnel, including exploring mortgage finance options, similar to the Federal Mortgage Bank’s offerings for civil servants. He proposed that such a scheme could provide military officers with the opportunity to own homes during and after their service, thus securing their financial future.
“We need to think quickly in areas like mortgage finance, so that not only do our officers have homes while serving, but also secure places to retire to,” Aduda remarked.