By Atoyebi Nike
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has restated its dedication to the welfare of frontline personnel while charging them to remain vigilant in protecting civilians against insurgents and bandits.
The message was delivered on 3 September 2025 during the commissioning of new facilities at the 4135 Force Protection Wing in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State. The projects include worship centres for Christian and Muslim personnel, a mini-mart, and a quarter guard stand.
The initiatives were carried out under the leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, whose philosophy emphasises that personnel welfare is central to operational effectiveness.
Representing the CAS, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Yusuf Dari, Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, commended the troops for their sacrifices in restoring calm to once-troubled communities.
“The communities we protect are safer today because of your efforts,” he said, while urging personnel to remain steadfast, united, and watchful. He stressed that their mission extended beyond combat to include building trust with communities and safeguarding civilian lives.
Dari assured the troops of the CAS’s unwavering support, describing the new facilities as proof of NAF’s resolve to combine combat readiness with attention to welfare, resilience, and spiritual well-being.
The development follows a NAF air raid on September 5 that struck a terrorist enclave in Sambisa Forest, Borno State, killing more than 15 insurgents and destroying key infrastructure.
“The Nigerian Air Force continues to stand as a symbol of vigilance, professionalism, and decisive airpower in defence of national security. Every successful strike brings Nigeria closer to lasting peace,” the statement noted.
By combining welfare initiatives with operational successes, NAF says it is strengthening both battlefield effectiveness and its relationship with communities under protection.
