The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to national security, emphasizing its resolve to combat criminals operating in ungoverned spaces across the country.

Speaking at the 2025 Administration and Personnel Seminar in Abuja, Abubakar vowed that the Air Force would relentlessly pursue and neutralize individuals who pose a threat to national peace.

“Our operations against criminal elements are relentless, and we are determined to protect innocent lives and restore peace across the nation,” he stated.

“Airpower will extend the long arm of the law, and we will find, fix, and strike anyone who takes up arms against the State until Nigeria is safe for all.”

Abubakar also highlighted the NAF’s significant growth, revealing an 86% increase in manpower over the past 13 years.

The number of airmen and airwomen has doubled since 2013, and under his leadership, more than 530 officers have been commissioned, with 2,300 airmen recruited.

At the current rate, he projected that the Nigerian Air Force will surpass 30,000 personnel by 2027, further enhancing its operational capacity.

Abubakar also noted that the officer-to-airman ratio currently stands at approximately 1:6, with growth most significant between 2017 and 2020.