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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
Chief of Air Staf f (CAS), Air Marshall Oladayo Amao, has charged commanders of Nigeria Airforce operations to remain apolitical and avoid actions and utterances that could tarnish the image of the service.
He also charged field commanders in various theatres of operations across the country to sustain the tempo of onslaught against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups threatening the peace of the country.
Amao gave the charge at a meeting with Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), Commandants and Units Commanders in Abuja.
He said the warning became necessary as the airforce would be engaged in airlifting election materials required for the conduct of polls across the country.
He said the airforce would soon commence realistic pre-induction training for personnel to be deployed for election support duties. He also urged the Commanders to sensitize personnel under them on the Code of Conduct for Armed Forces during elections, while also reminding them to be apolitical.
Amao charged the commanders to synergise with other security agencies within their areas of responsibilities in organising joint inter-agency training to enhance the capacity of law-enforcement agencies in discharging their roles during the polls.
While commending efforts of Commanders and personnel at various theatres of operations across the country, the CAS said successes recorded so far against insurgency and terrorism was as a result of hard work, dedication and sacrifices of troops.
The CAS said NAF in 2021 and 2022 alone trained a total of 9,148 personnel locally and 786 personnel overseas cutting across aircrew and ground specialties.
He said 122 personnel were undergoing foreign training, while 1,057 were on local training and more would be processed for training in the course of the year.
He said NAF has developed a workable skill retention strategy to sustain excellence and quality by re-engaging selected highly skilled retired personnel in the scarce skills categories as instructors and mentors to pass on expertise and best practices to the junior ones.
Air Marshal Amao commended the unwavering support of the Federal Government to the NAF, noting that the service has acquired new and modern platforms and expecting the delivery of more within the year to boost its equipment holding and air power capabilities.
