By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has underscored the need for sustained collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies, stressing that national security is a shared responsibility that must be pursued through unity of effort. He made this call in Jos on Monday during the opening of the Air Provost Conference 2025, where he told heads and representatives of sister security agencies present that their participation was a testament to the undeniable truth that national security cannot be achieved in isolation.
According to the CAS, emerging security threats such as terrorism, banditry, and cybercrime have become increasingly complex and do not respect jurisdictional boundaries, making a unified, multi-agency response imperative. “We must continue to dismantle institutional barriers and operate as one unified force for the security of our nation,” he declared. Air Marshal Abubakar reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), particularly the Air Provost, to strengthen inter-agency bonds through joint intelligence sharing, crime detection, coordinated operations, and mutual capacity building.
Highlighting the central role of the Air Provost in maintaining order within the Service, the CAS described them as the “custodians of discipline” and “guardians of installations,” whose work remains vital to both internal cohesion and broader operational success. In a significant move to further strengthen Air Provost capability, Air Marshal Abubakar unveiled a number of new initiatives. These include the establishment of a state-of-the-art forensic and digital crime laboratory at the Air Police Training Centre in Jos, the acquisition of new Military Working Dogs (MWDs) for the K9 units, and the recruitment of 100 Air Police personnel annually for the next five years. He also disclosed ongoing improvements to guard room facilities, the construction of new Provost squadrons, and the completion of student accommodation at the Air Police Training Centre in Kerang.
Looking ahead, the Air Chief said training would be intensified to meet evolving security threats, particularly in cyber warfare and digital forensics, in order to ensure that the Air Provost is fully equipped to safeguard the NAF’s critical digital infrastructure. He urged participants at the conference to seize the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and shape policies that would enhance training and operational efficiency across all NAF formations.
While expressing appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Air Force, Air Marshal Abubakar commended the Directorate of Air Provost for organising the conference, which was last held seven years ago. He assured that the Nigerian Air Force remains fully committed to democracy and to the supremacy of the rule of law, adding: “Our personnel will continue to be law-abiding, while upholding justice and respect for civil authority.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, emphasised the pivotal role of the Air Provost in maintaining discipline, enforcing regulations, and safeguarding NAF infrastructure. He noted that this year’s theme, “Leveraging Technology, Collaboration, Capacity Building and Training for Enhanced AP Duties in a Dynamic Security Environment,” was not only apt but also aligned with the second key enabler of the Chief of the Air Staff’s Command Philosophy, which is deliberate training and mission-oriented force development. According to him, the theme reflected a collective aspiration to equip personnel with the right tools, mindset, and strategies to function effectively in an evolving security landscape.
Also speaking at the event, the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Architect Samuel Jatau, commended the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies in the state for their tireless efforts in sustaining peace across Plateau. In his remarks, the Air Provost Marshal, Air Vice Marshal JA Usman, expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff for his steadfast support, strategic guidance, and commitment to developing NAF Provost personnel. He observed that the conference had renewed the Directorate’s resolve to harness technology, foster collaboration, and build capacity in the execution of its duties.
The three-day event features paper presentations and interactive sessions designed to bridge theory with real-life experiences. On the opening day, two papers were presented by AVM KG Lar (rtd) and Professor Etannibi Alemika. The second day of the conference is also expected to feature further presentations by Assistant Inspector General of Police Emeka Nwonyi Polycarp, PhD, Commandant of the Police Staff College, Jos, as well as Professor Kursim Leonard.
