President Muhammadu Buhari Monday, declared that in less than four years that he assumed office, the Armed Forces has been able to restore Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Buhari made the assertion at the 2019 NAF Day Celebration, held at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
Represented by vice president Yemi Osinbajo, Buhari saluted the discipline and professionalism of personnel at the event, saying such was a demonstration of the NAF’s operational readiness.
“I am very delighted to be in your midst today to celebrate the Fifty-fifth Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force. Since the establishment of the Nigerian Air Force in 1964 by an Act of the Nigerian Parliament, the Nigerian Air Force has been fulfilling its Constitutional mandate of preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity through the employment and projection of air power. Aside the role of preserving territorial integrity, the Nigerian Air Force has also been playing vital roles in Peace-Keeping Operations on the African continent.
“As a country, we are particularly proud that in less than 4 years, we have been able to revitalise our armed forces for the full restoration of Nigeria’s territorial integrity that was once violated by Boko Haram insurgents” Buhari said.
He noted thus: “I am indeed impressed with the display and professionalism put up by the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force at this ceremonial parade.
“Military parades of this nature have been a way of determining soldierly qualities and troops’ cohesion. The March-Past was elegantly conducted with precision and the parade was generally colourful. This is an epitome of discipline and excellent military posture, which are hallmarks of a modern fighting force. I am further excited by the aerial display by Nigerian Air Force airplanes.
“The displays demonstrate Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to achieving high standards of operational readiness. This ceremony would leave an indelible impression in my memory and indeed in the memories of all of us here present. I want to commend the Chief of the Air Staff and his team for the commendable leadership they provide for the Nigerian Air Force”, Buhari said.
Speaking on NAF’s contribution in the theatre of Operation, he said: “Specifically, the contributions of the Nigerian Air Force in addressing the security challenges in the North West against armed banditry/cattle rustling and kidnapping is also appreciated. Your efforts in conjunction with other security agents have started to yield positive results thereby restoring our pride and honour amongst the comity of nations.
“As the air arm of the armed forces, the Nigerian Air Force has continued to play very crucial roles in degrading the fighting capabilities of the Boko Haram Terrorists in North East where our officers, airmen, soldiers and ratings have performed gallantly.”
Earlier the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, had said that 55 years down the line, the NAF has transformed into a dependable Force.
Abubakar noted the investment the current NAF has continued to make in capacity building, through training, enhanced welfare, as well as reactivation of platforms.
He said: “The 55 years of the existence of the Nigerian Air Force have been very eventful and during this period, the NAF was confronted with a myriad of challenges. However, we were able to surmount these challenges and progressively maturing in the process.
“The NAF has also grown in size, spread and equipment holding all in a bid to fulfil its statutory obligation of protecting and defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria from the air. The growth of the NAF since the inception of the Service has been particularly outstanding. From having only a few trainers and transport aircraft in the early years of the Service, the Nigerian Air Force currently has an impressive ORBAT comprising diverse aircraft with capabilities to perform a wide spectrum of missions.
“We have also continued to build upon the foundations laid by our noble predecessors by reactivating several aircraft that were hitherto grounded; acquired and inducted various platforms into service and increased the strength of service personnel by 7,500 airmen/airwomen and 400 officers”.
He further stated that: “Additionally, 2 new commands and 2 staff branches were established to meet the evolving security challenges we are faced with.
“The Nigerian Air Force has also established additional units spread across the nation in response to evolving security challenges; construction and upgrading of existing schools, hospitals and other infrastructure including 2 Reference Hospitals to attend to the welfare of personnel and their families.
“Furthermore, the gap between force projection and force protection capability has been substantially bridged with the training of more than 1000 Special Forces. These personnel have been deployed as part of the Base Defence forces to deal with the threat to our bases and to support Internal Security Operations in various troubled spots across the country, especially in the North East, North Central and North West respectively”.
Stella Enenche, Abuja
