By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has issued a stern warning to enemies of the state, reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering resolve to defend the nation’s airspace and protect all Nigerians from insurgency, terrorism, and criminality. The CAS made this known on June 4, 2025, during the Second Quarter Route March held in Abuja, where he addressed officers, airmen, and airwomen participating in the nationwide exercise.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Chief charged personnel to remain focused on their constitutional mandate and sustain a high level of physical fitness to enhance operational performance. He emphasized that national security was not just a goal but a duty to be pursued with absolute resolve and relentless energy.
“We will continue to defend every inch of our nation’s airspace and stand firm in joint operations to protect lives and property across the country,” the CAS declared. “Rest assured, your protection is not just an obligation, it is our highest priority.”
Sounding a strong message to insurgents, terrorists, and other criminal elements, Air Marshal Abubakar stated unequivocally, “To the enemies of our nation, know this: there will be no hiding place for those who threaten the peace and stability of Nigeria. We are coming for you. We will find you and take you out.”
The CAS used the occasion to extend appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Air Force, particularly in the areas of personnel welfare, training, and capacity development.
“On behalf of the officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, I reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” he said.
Air Marshal Abubakar also stressed the importance of physical fitness to operational effectiveness, noting that the rigours of military duty demand high levels of stamina, resilience, and discipline. In his words, “Physical fitness is no longer a matter of choice, it is a non-negotiable requirement. As a matter of policy, I have directed that all Performance Evaluation Reports must be accompanied with Physical Fitness Test Certificates. Furthermore, no personnel will be considered for promotion without being medically and physically fit.”
To back this policy, the Air Chief disclosed that he has approved the construction of modern sporting facilities across several Nigerian Air Force bases and the procurement of state-of-the-art gym equipment for over 22 NAF units nationwide. He said the items will soon be distributed and installed to promote year-round physical readiness.
Reflecting on the broader symbolism of the route march, Air Marshal Abubakar likened it to the national security journey that the Air Force is committed to achieving.
“The journey toward national security and lasting peace is marked by challenges and obstacles. But those who persevere, who stay the course with discipline, focus, and resilience, will ultimately arrive at the destination. And that destination, ladies and gentlemen, is the place of victory,” he said.
“Let today’s route march be a reminder of who we are and what we stand for. Let it rekindle our fighting spirit and reinforce our shared commitment to the defence of Nigeria. We are not just marching on roads, we are marching towards purpose, honour, and victory,” the Air Chief added.
The quarterly route march is conducted across all Nigerian Air Force units and is designed to build endurance, foster unity among personnel, and sustain the physical and mental conditioning essential for modern military operations. It also serves as a public demonstration of the force’s readiness and unwavering resolve to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity at all times.
