…as CAS reiterates the importance of the deployment of kinetic and non—kinetic air power in combating economic saboteurs and securing critical infrastructure
By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has commended the Federal Government’s strategic support to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), highlighting its significant impact on the nation’s counterinsurgency and national security operations.
Director Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame in an official signed statement disclosed that the CAS while delivering a lecture titled “Military Strategic Leadership in Air Operations: My Perspective” to participants of Course 11/2025 at the Air Force War College (AFWC) in Makurdi, emphasized that the targeted investment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has substantially enhanced the NAF’s operational capabilities.
“The CAS noted that the recent delivery of nine brand-new aircraft has bolstered the NAF’s fleet, enabling more precise and sustained operations across various theatres. He further revealed that the NAF is expecting an additional 49 aircraft, with several scheduled for delivery in the coming months, to expand its capacity for complex missions and maintain momentum in ongoing air operations.
“Providing an overview of operational achievements, Air Marshal Abubakar disclosed that in the past year alone, the NAF has flown over 4,500 hours across 2,304 sorties, executing nearly 2,000 counterinsurgency missions.
“Additionally, over 2,600 anti-banditry sorties were carried out, resulting in 4,670 hours of flight time. In support of efforts to combat economic sabotage, the NAF conducted 366 sorties targeting crude oil theft and illegal refining, amassing more than 1,450 hours of flight time. He emphasized that these figures represent real missions, real risks, and real outcomes.
“Between June 2023 and the present, over 3,496 terrorists were neutralized in the Northeast alone, with more than 121,000 insurgents and their families surrendering to security forces.
“On the economic front, Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the significant contribution of air operations under Operation DELTA SAFE.
“Through the strategic deployment of both kinetic and non-kinetic air power, the NAF has disrupted oil theft syndicates and secured critical infrastructure. Recent data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission indicates a 13% increase in crude oil and condensate production in Q4 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, an outcome directly linked to the effectiveness of sustained air operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
“Concluding his address, the CAS urged the next generation of Air Force leaders to embrace the challenges of strategic command. He emphasized that their leadership, professionalism, and resolve will shape the Air Force’s ability to respond to present and future security challenges.” The statement concluded.
