The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining security and combating criminal activities in Kaduna State and the wider North-West region.

The Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Air Training Command (ATC), AVM Esen Efanga, stated this on Saturday during the Base Annual Socio-Cultural Activities (BASA) organised by ATC and co-located units to mark the end of the 2025 calendar year at the NAF Base, Kaduna.

Mr Efanga said that despite the challenges recorded in 2025, the NAF achieved significant successes through sustained air and land operations conducted independently and jointly with surface forces.

According to him, the operations disrupted terrorist and criminal activities across Kaduna State. At the same time, aggressive patrols by NAF Special Forces under Operation Badamama served as a deterrent to criminal elements within the Kaduna metropolis and its environs.

He added that air interdiction missions carried out by the Air Component degraded criminal networks, limited their freedom of action and boosted the morale of ground forces.

The AOC expressed appreciation to officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of NAF Base Kaduna for their dedication, noting that the achievements recorded were products of collective effort and professionalism.

Mr Efanga described BASA as a long-standing military tradition aimed at strengthening social bonds among personnel, families and host communities through cultural displays and regimental activities.

He said the event also provided an avenue to recognise residential blocks on the base that distinguished themselves during the 2025 sanitation exercise.

Also,  Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, represented by the commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Sule Shu’aibu, commended the Nigerian Air Force for its critical role in the security architecture of the state.

Mr Sani, who was the special guest of honour at the event,  said that sustained air operations, intelligence support and joint missions had significantly contributed to the containment of banditry and other criminal activities in Kaduna state.

He praised the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and the AOC ATC for their leadership and commitment to peace and stability.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to strengthen civil–military cooperation through community engagement, youth sensitisation, humanitarian interventions and peace-building initiatives.

He stated that BASA symbolised national unity and cultural diversity, stressing that lasting security could only be achieved through strong collaboration between the military and the communities they serve.

The event featured colourful cultural dances, musical performances and other traditional displays by personnel and their families.

Awards were given to personnel who distinguished themselves in the year 2025. 

 (NAN)