By Peter Omopo
September 6, 2025
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has restated its commitment to the welfare and morale of personnel on the frontlines, urging them to remain vigilant in the fight against banditry and insurgency.
The assurance was given during the commissioning of worship centres and other projects at the 4135 Force Protection Wing in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, on September 3.
The newly commissioned facilities include worship centres for both Christian and Muslim personnel, a mini-mart, and a quarter guard stand. The projects were executed under the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, whose leadership philosophy places personnel welfare at the core of operational effectiveness.
Speaking on behalf of the CAS, the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Yusuf Dari, commended troops for their professionalism and sacrifices that have restored relative calm to once-troubled communities.
“The communities we protect are safer today because of your efforts,” Dari said. “But you must remain watchful, support one another in the field, and never forget that our ultimate duty is to shield civilians from harm.”
He stressed that the mission of the NAF goes beyond combat operations, emphasizing that unity of purpose, vigilance, and respect for civilian populations are key to lasting peace.
Dari added that the newly inaugurated facilities represent “clear demonstrations of NAF’s determination to balance combat readiness with the welfare, resilience, and spiritual needs of its personnel.”
The reassurance came just a day after NAF conducted a successful air raid on a terrorist enclave in Sambisa Forest, Borno State, killing more than 15 insurgents and destroying critical infrastructure.
“The Nigerian Air Force continues to stand as a symbol of vigilance, professionalism, and decisive airpower in defence of national security,” Dari noted. “Every successful strike brings Nigeria one step closer to lasting peace.”
By combining operational focus with tangible welfare initiatives, NAF said it seeks to strengthen not only its battlefield effectiveness but also its trust and bond with the communities it serves.
