The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unyielding resolve to safeguard the nation’s airspace and collaborate with sister agencies to protect all Nigerians. Speaking in Abuja on June 4, 2025, during the Second Quarter Route March, the CAS made it clear that defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity remains the NAF’s foremost responsibility.
“We will continue to defend every inch of our nation’s airspace,” Air Marshal Abubakar declared. “Our commitment to the safety and protection of all Nigerians is not just a duty—it is our highest priority.”
Issuing a stern warning to insurgents, terrorists, and bandits, the Air Chief vowed that no sanctuary would be safe for those threatening Nigeria’s peace and stability. “To the enemies of our nation: there will be no hiding place. We will find you, and we will neutralize you.”
Air Marshal Abubakar expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces, particularly in the areas of operational capacity and personnel welfare. “On behalf of all officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, I reaffirm our absolute loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief,” he stated.
Underscoring the importance of physical and operational readiness, the CAS emphasized that physical fitness is now a mandatory standard across the force. He announced that all personnel evaluation reports must include a physical fitness certificate, adding that no one will be eligible for promotion without meeting health and fitness requirements.
To support this policy, the CAS revealed plans to build new sporting facilities across NAF bases and equip over 22 units with modern gym equipment, already approved and soon to be installed.
Drawing a symbolic link between the route march and the broader military mission, Air Marshal Abubakar said: “Just like today’s march, the journey to national security is full of challenges. But with discipline, focus, and resilience, we will reach our destination—and that destination is victory.”
He urged all personnel to let the exercise renew their commitment to duty. “We’re not just marching on roads. We’re marching towards honour, purpose, and victory. Let this be a reminder of who we are and what we stand for.”
The nationwide quarterly route march is a core fitness routine aimed at building endurance, fostering unity, and ensuring combat readiness among personnel. It also serves as a public demonstration of the Nigerian Air Force’s vigilance, strength, and readiness to defend the country’s sovereignty at all times.
