On Tuesday, Nigeria’s chief of air staff, Hasan Bala Abubakar, admonished frontline troops to remain steadfast in protecting citizens and defending Nigeria.

According to a statement by the Nigerian Air Force, the air chief stated this during a visit to frontline troops stationed in Kaduna.

Mr Abubakar urged the airmen to maintain a tempo of operation that continues to show a firm commitment to restoring peace in troubled areas.

Mr Abubakar stressed that the fight against terrorists, bandits and other armed groups must be intensified.

“Yes, we have achieved commendable milestones, but this is not the time to slow down. We must not rest on our oars (sic). Now is the time to consolidate and intensify our air strikes against terrorists, insurgents and bandits,” Mr Abubakar said.

He added, “Even as we mark 61 years of dedicated service, we must give our fellow countrymen more reasons to hope, more victories that reassure them that their air force remains alert, ready, and determined to defeat all enemies of peace.”