By Tola Gbadamosi
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and morale of frontline personnel, urging them to remain steadfast in protecting civilians from bandits and insurgents.
According to the Nigerian Air Force, the call was made during the commissioning of new worship centres and other projects at the 4135 Force Protection Wing in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State. The facilities include Christian and Muslim worship centres, a Mini-Mart, and a Quarter Guard Stand, executed under the command philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, which places personnel welfare at the heart of operational effectiveness.
Representing the CAS, the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Yusuf Dari, commended troops for their professionalism and sacrifices in the fight against criminal elements. He noted that their resilience has restored calm to communities once plagued by banditry and weakened the networks of those seeking to destabilise the region.
AVM Dari urged personnel to remain vigilant, united, and disciplined, stressing that their mission goes beyond combat. “The communities we protect are safer today because of your efforts,” he said. “But you must remain watchful, support one another, and never forget that our ultimate duty is to shield civilians from harm.”
He also reminded the troops that unity of purpose and respect for civilian populations are vital to operational success. The AOC assured them of the unwavering support of the CAS, describing the newly commissioned projects as clear evidence of NAF’s determination to balance combat readiness with the welfare, resilience, and spiritual needs of its personnel.
By blending operational effectiveness with welfare-driven initiatives, NAF continues to strengthen its role on the battlefield while deepening trust with the communities it serves.