The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) today marked the commencement of its 61st anniversary celebrations with a Special Jumu’ah Prayer at the NAF Base Central Mosque in Abuja. The spiritual service was held in line with the anniversary theme: “Optimizing Civil-Military Relations in a Joint Operational Environment for Enhanced Air Operations.”
Leading the prayer session, the Chief Imam of the NAF Base Central Mosque, Group Captain Abdullah Hassan Inuwa, offered gratitude to God for sustaining the Air Force for over six decades. He emphasized the significance of the anniversary as not just a ceremonial occasion, but a moment of reflection and thanksgiving for the achievements of the Force both within Nigeria and beyond its borders.
“We want to thank God who has given us this day. We are celebrating a milestone—over six decades of the Nigerian Air Force’s existence and the successes recorded nationally, regionally, and internationally,” Group Captain Inuwa stated.
He noted that the NAF has been instrumental in supporting ongoing military operations, particularly in counter-terrorism and internal security efforts across the country. Inuwa further commended the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, for providing visionary leadership and for articulating a timely and relevant theme for this year’s celebration.
“The theme of this year has captured everything. It recognises the germane participation of civilians in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and criminality. As it is obvious, the military option alone is not sufficient. We have to embrace non-kinetic approaches which involve building a strong bond with civilians,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of civil-military collaboration, the Imam praised the Air Force for leading the way through humanitarian outreach efforts that foster trust and cooperation with local communities. He said such initiatives not only bridge the gap between the military and civilians but also serve as a critical tool in the broader security architecture of the nation.
As part of the ongoing 61st anniversary celebrations, a series of activities have been scheduled nationwide, including medical outreaches, educational support for local communities, inter-faith services, and a ceremonial parade.
The Nigerian Air Force was established in 1964 and has since evolved into a formidable component of the country’s armed forces, contributing significantly to peacekeeping missions and national defense.
This year’s focus on civil-military synergy reflects a growing understanding that lasting security requires the hearts and minds of the people, not just the might of the military.
