The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says the combined efforts of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and other security services have decimated and obliterated scores of terrorist leaders, their foot soldiers and structures.

Mr Abubakar said this during the decoration of the 22 newly promoted air vice marshals and 16 air commodores on Friday in Abuja.

He said that the air operational efforts across various theatres had been decisive in curtailing the terrorists and cutting off their unfettered freedom of movement.

Mr Abubakar, however, said the threats posed by non-state actors to national security require the emplacement of a more robust security architecture for rapid employment of airpower in all spectrums of warfare.

The CAS urged the newly promoted officers to bring their vast operational knowledge and skills to bear in adding value to ongoing military operations.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for supporting NAF.

Mr Abubakar saluted the families of officers, airmen, and women for keeping the home front while their husbands were away for operations.

Earlier, NAF’s Chief of Administration, AVM Idi Sani, said the decorated officers were promoted after thorough and painstaking evaluation and assessment by the promotion board.

He said the board found the senior officers worthy in character and professionalism and recommended them for promotion to the next hierarchy.

According to him, the promotion is a reward for hard work, dedication, discipline and sacrifice and a challenge for them not to betray the system.

“You must, therefore, continue to be diligent, focused and professional in the discharge of your duties and ensure you continue to add value to NAF and, indeed, the nation for recognising you today,” Mr Sani added.

(NAN)