NAF Takes the Front Seat
The repositioning of the Nigerian Air Force in securing the nation has elevated the force as a strategic partner and formidable ally in the nation's defence infrastructure, writes Paul Obi
Within Nigeria's defence and security circles, no one can dispute the current challenges facing the military. In all its flanks, the nation's military and security agencies are somehow overstretched, serving the people and securing its territories. But within the last decade, internal strife, crime and arms conflicts have precipitated insecurity, stretching the military's line of duty in various fronts.
Granted, the Nigerian Army remains in the forefront of military engagements across board. But as Boko Haram insurgency holds sway in the North-east, militancy in the Niger Delta, the role of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in air power also becomes imminent. The drafting of the NAF into the nation's warfare in recent times has gone far to tame both internal and foreign insecurities once threatening Nigeria's existence.
Although, Boko Haram terrorism, militancy, tribal wars and other internal communal clashes have, to a certain degree derailed the duty line of the military defending Nigeria from external aggression and invasion, the show of strength, particularly by the Air Force lay credence to Nigeria's military power. It is within this context, that NAF has continued to live up to its expectations in the face of daunting challenges.
In its new role, the Air Force has outlined innovation, creativity, engineering, maintenance, humanitarian services, collaboration with research institutes and universities and professionals as the bedrock of its operation. The focus then is to intervene in the nation's national security within the scope of the above listed template.
According to NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar has remained committed to pursuing Nigeria's national security goals within the purview of modern military operations. Adesanya explained that this commitment by NAF top hierarchy has resulted in recent giant strides attained by the Nigerian Air Force.
Today, the Air Force is not only involved in the bombardment of Boko Haram terrorists, the force is also in defence of national assets like oil installations in the South-west and Niger Delta. The Air Force likewise carries out humanitarian services such as uplifting relief materials for flood victims in Benue and other parts of the North including free medical services for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps among others.
The strategic role by the NAF in ensuring that democracy is restored in Gambia and the winner of the presidential election, Adama Barrow was sworn-in cannot be forgotten in a haste. By joining the African Forces and preventing the former President, Yahya Jammeh who lost out in the presidential polls, NAF consciously expanded the democratic frontiers of the African continent.
Even in the midst of these lofty achievements, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Abubakar agreed that challenges still abound. According to him, "as you are aware, the Nigerian Air Force is faced with various various theatres of operations whether in the North-east, in the South-south or the North-west. We are no doubt on track with regards to the kind of structures we want for our Air Force, for better efficiency and effectiveness. Despite the challenges and few setbacks we have had in the last few weeks, I believe