The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said, on Wednesday, that the Nigerian Air Force aims to have over 30,000 personnel by 2027.

This was as he reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to national security, vowing to bring justice to criminals operating in ungoverned spaces across the country.
Speaking at the 2025 Administration and Personnel Seminar in Abuja.

Abubakar disclosed that the NAF had seen an 86% increase in manpower over the last 13 years, with the number of airmen and airwomen doubling since 2013.

Under his leadership, he said, over 530 officers had been commissioned, while 2,300 airmen had been recruited.

“The most significant growth surge occurred between 2017 and 2020, and currently, the officer-to-airman ratio stands at approximately 1:6. If we maintain this growth rate, the NAF is projected to exceed 30,000 personnel by 2027.

“This rapid increase in staff numbers underscores the need for modern, computerised human resource management and proactive administration,” he added.

Abubakar emphasised that the growing force requires better career management, performance evaluations, accommodation, healthcare, and welfare incentives to sustain operational efficiency and morale.

“The effectiveness of our pilots, engineers, and operational elements depends on the foundation laid by administrative personnel who manage career progression, enforce discipline, and provide welfare support. Without this administrative backbone, even the most brilliant strategies, advanced platforms, or innovative technologies cannot deliver their intended outcomes,” he stressed.

The air chief declared that the Air Force’s operations would ensure that those who take up arms against the state are located, neutralized, and brought to justice.

“Our relentless operations against criminal elements reaffirm our determination to protect innocent lives and restore peace across the nation. Let me make it clear that airpower will extend the long arm of the law, bringing justice to criminals hiding in ungoverned spaces. We will find, fix, and strike all those who take arms against the State, and we will not relent until Nigeria is safe for all,” he said.

On personnel welfare, Abubakar revealed that the NAF has made significant strides, including improved medical facilities, better accommodation, enhanced insurance policies, and affordable housing schemes.

“It is noteworthy that a total of 2,972 personnel benefited from newly constructed or renovated accommodation facilities in the past one and a half years,” he added.

Despite these advancements, the Air Chief acknowledged persistent challenges, such as absence without leave, drug abuse, substance misuse, and the negative influence of social media.

“Despite these efforts, challenges such as Absence Without Leave, drug abuse, substance misuse, and the negative influence of social media continue to pose challenges. This seminar offers a valuable opportunity to evaluate our current practices and explore innovative approaches to tackle these issues,” he said.