By Linus Aleke

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has cautioned Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding and NAF operational commanders, to conduct selves in the most professional and disciplined manner, whilst, also urging the personnel of the service to continue to remain apolitical, and patriotic, as well as maintain the state of readiness.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, in a statement, said the CAS gave this warning, during his maiden meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding and NAF operational commanders, at NAF Headquarters, Abuja.

Air Marshal Abubakar, said that as a Service subservient to the political class, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) state of readiness and preparedness remains paramount and must never be in doubt.

This, he said, was in line with NAF’s constitutional responsibility to be ready to perform tasks that may be assigned to it by Nigeria’s political leaders.

The CAS had earlier described the contemporary operating environment within the shores of Nigeria and across the West African sub-Region as diffuse and complex, with consequences on the political climate of the entire Region.

Air Marshal Abubakar, also applauded NAF operational commanders for their commitment in tackling the current security challenges facing the Nation.

Army denies corruption allegation against soldiers

According to him, “I am particularly glad about the recent heightened level of air operations across all our joint operations theatres which has seen us record tremendous outcomes”.

He however observed that while so much has been achieved, a lot still needed to be done to ensure the NAF fully attained its set objectives.

He implored the commanders to ensure they utilize the opportunity of the meeting to interact frankly and objectively while proffering solutions and strategies that will translate to actionable consequences on the ground.

On the sideline of the meeting, the CAS also handed out brand new Hilux Toyota vehicles to 7 Air Warrant Officers in honour of their selfless services to the NAF, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation at large, having attained the pinnacle of their careers.

He said: “This gesture was in line with one of the key enablers of my Philosophy to, ‘Maintain a highly motivated force by enhancing welfare and infrastructural renewal”.