We’ve Adequate Air-power To Protect Nigeria – NAF Boasts 

BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA- The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says there are enough in their armoury to contain any external aggression against Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to them,the last 57 years have seen enhanced and sustained acquisition of critical air-power capabilities in pursuit of national security imperatives

Briefing the media as part of activities marking NAF 57 Anniversary celebrations, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Hassan Abubakar, boasted that in the last five years, the Air Force have officially inducted 25 aircraft to enhance their air capabilities and fire power.

He also disclosed another platform, ‘JF-17 Thunder aircraft’, will also be inducted to expand NAF’s air-power in commemoration of the anniversary.

According to AVM Abubakar, this year’s anniversary with the theme: “Enhancing Nigerian Air Force Air-power Capabilities for Effective Joint Operations in Response to Contemporary National Security Challenges” is aimed at “emphasizing the renewed focus on cooperation and collaboration among the Services in military operations.”

The Committee chairman also said the theme is in tandem with the Chief of Air Staff’s vision to “enhance and sustain critical air-power capabilities required for joint Force employment in pursuit of national security imperatives”.

“You will agree with me that the Nigerian Air Force has grown over the years into a formidable Force within the West African sub-region and it is only rational to celebrate its existence as well as the laudable achievements recorded over the years”, he said

Furthermore, Abubakar said; “one unique activity that will be carried out during this year’s anniversary is the launching of the Nigerian Air Force tele-medicine facility in Abuja.“The aim of establishing the facility is to enhance provision of excellent medicare to personnel and their dependants as well as civilian beneficiaries at the lowest cost”.

According to Abubakar, this year’s anniversary will be a low key event “but structured to enlighten Nigerians of the efforts of the NAF in the fight against insurgency.”

He said the NAF had grown over the years into a formidable force in its efforts to carry out its core mandate of protecting the country against external or internal aggression.