Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), has called on commanders to enhance efforts to secure Nigeria. He made this statement at a meeting in Abuja with senior leaders of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Abubakar emphasized the importance of collaborating with other military branches to tackle terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other security threats in the country. He noted that these threats are influenced by both global and regional events, including the war in Ukraine, political instability in West Africa, and the withdrawal of troops from international missions.
He highlighted that the exit of UN troops and others from certain regions could lead to an increase in weapons and terrorists entering Nigeria, complicating counterinsurgency efforts. Abubakar stressed the need for proactive measures to meet the expectations of the government and citizens for a safer Nigeria.
In the past year, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has implemented new strategies and seen some progress in combating various criminal activities. Abubakar praised the efforts of top officers and commanders but acknowledged that more work is needed.
He pointed out that economic challenges like high youth unemployment and inflation have worsened the security situation. The meeting aimed to review the past year’s performance, discuss challenges, and plan for the future to better meet Nigeria’s security needs.
Abubakar assured his commitment to continuous improvement within the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Victoria Ibiama