The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to its veterans’ welfare and national security excellence.

Mr Abubakar, during the 2025 Mid-Year Parley with Veterans on Saturday in Abuja, paid tribute to the sacrifices and foundational contributions of NAF veterans. 

The CAS stressed that their experience remained invaluable, particularly as the operational environment became more complex and dynamic.

Mr Abubakar highlighted NAF’s high operational tempo across multiple theatres, with over 3,500 flight hours conducted in 1,700 sorties from January to June 2025.

He stated that the efforts contributed to counterterrorism, anti-banditry, and oil theft deterrence operations nationwide, adding that the force acquired 15 new aircraft from 2023, including A-29 Super Tucano, AW-109, King Air 360, and Beechcraft B-62 platforms.

“Forty-nine more platforms are expected by 2026, including M-346 fighter jets and C-295 transports, to strengthen its airpower projection,” he said.

The CAS said the air component of Operation Delta Safe had significantly disrupted oil theft logistics networks in the  Niger Delta, improved national crude output and economic stability,

He said NAF engineers recently carried out in-country aircraft reactivation, notably the historic 4,800-hour inspection on a Dornier 228 and the revival of multiple legacy platforms.

Mr Abubakar said the platforms included Mi-35 helicopters, Bell 412s, and ATR-42 aircraft, which had been grounded for over two decades.

On infrastructure and welfare, the CAS revealed that over 482 projects were ongoing across NAF bases, with 30 per cent targeted at improving living conditions.

He explained that the service aimed to cut accommodation deficits by 50 per cent before the end of 2025.

Mr Abubakar announced the appointment of veterans’ welfare officers in all units to identify and address the needs of retired personnel.

He also directed that veterans be included in all major NAF events going forward, underscoring their continuous relevance to the service.

The Chief of Administration, NAF, AVM Idi Sani, described the event as a deliberate strategic engagement to deepen institutional memory and preserve the values that had shaped the NAF over the years.

“These engagements serve as a reminder that the Nigerian Air Force does not forget its own,” he said.

The chairman, Ministry of Defence, Military Veterans Welfare Committee, retired Air Commodore Isaac Oguntuyi, urged the National Assembly to pass the Veterans Federation Bill as quickly as possible, with its full contents inside it.

Also, retired AVM Adeniyi Ojuawo, Member representing Ekiti South West/Ikere/Ise/Orun Federal Constituency, encouraged military veterans to join politics to participate in decision-making.

He said veterans had garnered extensive experiences that equipped them to do well in politics.

(NAN)