Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has urged Nigerian Air Force personnel to remain professional, resilient, and mission-ready in the face of evolving security challenges confronting the nation.

Mr Aneke gave the charge in a message to officers, airmen, airwomen, and civilian staff during an Eid-el-Fitr luncheon held for personnel of the Air Component, Joint Task Force (North-West), Operation Fansan Yamma, Sector 1, in Kaduna on Saturday.

The CAS, who was represented by AVM David Pwajok, chief of Communications Information Systems, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, congratulated personnel on the successful completion of Ramadan and commended their sacrifices in defence of national peace and stability.

He described Eid-el-Fitr as a period that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and devotion, noting that such values align with the demands of military service.

“While many Nigerians celebrate with their families, you remain steadfast and professional in safeguarding the nation. Your sacrifices are recognised and deeply appreciated,” he said.

Mr Aneke noted that Nigeria’s security challenges, though significant, were part of a broader global trend, stressing the need for sustained efforts, adaptability, and resilience in addressing them.

He reiterated the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to maintaining a highly motivated and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in synergy with other security agencies.

According to him, priority will continue to be given to personnel welfare, operational readiness, intelligence-driven operations, training and capacity development, as well as effective logistics and maintenance systems.

The CAS expressed satisfaction with ongoing reforms within the service, including improved aircraft serviceability, expansion of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capabilities, operational safety enhancements, and renewed attention to frontline personnel welfare.

He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and investment in the modernisation of the Nigerian Air Force.

Mr Aneke further commended the Air Force Council for its role in strengthening the service’s operational effectiveness.

He reassured personnel that their welfare remained central to mission success, adding that ongoing initiatives were aimed at boosting morale and enhancing overall combat effectiveness.

The CAS emphasised the role of the Nigerian Air Force as a unifying national institution, noting that its personnel, drawn from diverse backgrounds, remained united in service to the country.

He urged them to remain vigilant, disciplined, and committed to duty, while remembering fallen colleagues who paid the supreme price in service to the nation.

In his remarks, the Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Okechukwu Okpara, commended personnel for their dedication and resilience in ongoing operations.

Mr Okpara said the efforts of the Air Component had been instrumental in degrading terrorist capabilities in the North-West through precision strikes, intelligence surveillance, and rapid mobility operations.

“Our operations have denied insurgents freedom of action, forcing them into retreat and preventing them from terrorising communities,” he said.

He noted that the complexity of security challenges in the region required sustained pressure, teamwork, and adaptability among personnel.

The commander reaffirmed the Air Component’s commitment to supporting joint operations and sustaining momentum in the fight against terrorism and criminality.

Mr Okpara also appreciated the CAS for his continued support, particularly in the areas of welfare, readiness, and operational reforms, which he said had boosted morale and effectiveness.

He urged personnel to remain united, vigilant, and committed to duty, stressing that the best way to honour fallen heroes was through dedication and professionalism.

The luncheon featured entertainment, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs, marking a successful celebration of Eid and military camaraderie. 

(NAN)