From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has issued a clear and forceful warning to bandits wreaking havoc across Zamfara, Katsina, and other parts of Northwest Nigeria to vacate their hideouts or face total elimination.
The stern declaration came on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, who vowed that the military would intensify its onslaught not just in the Northwest, but also against terrorists in Borno State and across the Northeast, as well as criminal elements in other parts of the country.
The latest warning follows a series of precision airstrikes by the NAF less than a week ago, which reportedly neutralised at least 20 terrorists in Garin Mani, a village in the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Speaking in Abuja during the Nigerian Air Force’s Second Quarter Route March, Abubakar was resolute: “To the enemies of our nation, know this; there will be no hiding place for those who threaten the peace and stability of Nigeria. We are coming for you. We will find you and take you out.”
He affirmed that air troops across various theatres of operation would not stand idly by while criminal elements destabilise communities.
Reiterating the Air Force’s readiness and resolve, the CAS said: “We will continue to defend every inch of our nation’s airspace and stand firm in joint operations to protect lives and property across the country. Rest assured that your protection is not just an obligation, it is our highest priority.”
Air Marshal Abubakar also used the occasion to express gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ongoing support to the Armed Forces, particularly in strengthening operational capacity and improving personnel welfare.
“On behalf of the officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, I reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” he stated.
Highlighting a renewed focus on physical fitness and readiness, the Air Chief emphasised that health and physical conditioning are now mandatory benchmarks for career progression in the NAF.
“Physical fitness is no longer a matter of choice; it is a non-negotiable requirement. As a matter of policy, I have directed that all Performance Evaluation Reports must be accompanied by a Physical Fitness Test Certificate. Furthermore, no personnel will be considered for promotion without being medically and physically fit,” he said.
To support this policy, he revealed that the NAF has approved the construction of modern sporting facilities at multiple bases and will soon distribute advanced gym equipment to over 22 units across the country.
Drawing a powerful metaphor from the day’s route march, the Air Marshal compared the physical exercise to the broader military mission of achieving peace and stability.
“The journey towards national security and lasting peace is marked by challenges and obstacles. But those who persevere with discipline, focus, and resilience will ultimately arrive at the destination. And that destination, ladies and gentlemen, is the place of victory,” he said.
He concluded with a rallying call to all personnel: “Let today’s route march be a reminder of who we are and what we stand for. Let it rekindle our fighting spirit and reinforce our shared commitment to the defence of Nigeria. We are not just marching on roads; we are marching towards purpose, honour, and victory.”
The Sun notes that the quarterly route march, conducted across all NAF units, is aimed at building endurance, strengthening camaraderie, and ensuring the physical conditioning essential for modern military operations.
It also serves as a visible show of force, a reminder to both adversaries and the public that the Nigerian Air Force remains vigilant, capable, and ready to defend the nation’s sovereignty at all times.