In a bid to enhance national unity and strengthen the country’s defense capabilities, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has made a compelling call to youths from the South-West and South-East regions to consider enlisting in the armed forces. This appeal was made by Abdulafeez Opaleye, the Commander of the 115 Operations Group, NAF Port Harcourt, during the maiden Open Day event marking the 2025 NAF Day celebrations. The event, which aimed to engage the public, highlighted the NAF’s commitment to unity, diversity, and inclusivity in the military.
Opaleye, speaking at the event, expressed concern over the low number of youths from Nigeria’s southern regions joining the military, particularly the Air Force. He emphasized that this underrepresentation posed a challenge to fostering national unity within the armed forces. The commander noted that the NAF, like other military branches, belongs to every Nigerian, regardless of ethnic or regional background. Opaleye stressed that it is crucial for all Nigerians, including those from the southern parts of the country, to take an active role in the military, as they are essential to the success of the armed forces and, by extension, the nation.
“It is concerning that Nigerians from the southern part of the country have not been presenting themselves to join the military, as they should,” Opaleye said. He further stated that the inclusion of youths from all parts of the country, especially the South-West and South-East, would contribute to greater national cohesion, reflecting the unity that the armed forces stand for.
In response to the declining enlistment numbers, the Nigerian Air Force organized its first-ever Open Day. This initiative allowed over 1,000 guests to tour the NAF facilities, observe its capabilities, and engage with personnel. Opaleye explained that the event was part of efforts to promote civil-military relations and increase public awareness about the crucial role of the Air Force in defending the nation.
“The NAF is the people’s Air Force,” Opaleye remarked, encouraging young people, particularly from southern Nigeria, to seize the opportunity and become a part of the country’s defense force. He emphasized that the NAF is a modern and capable force, and it is committed to the defense of Nigeria’s airspace and security interests.
Opaleye highlighted the NAF’s modernization efforts under the leadership of the Chief of Air Staff, Hassan Abubakar. According to Opaleye, the Air Force has significantly enhanced its operational capacity by training new pilots and engaging in joint operations across various regions, including the North West, North East, North Central, and South East. Recently, the NAF graduated 35 new pilots in Kaduna, a move that is expected to boost the force’s operational capabilities and morale.
The NAF’s role in joint operations has been particularly significant in the ongoing fight against insurgency, criminal activities, and other forms of insecurity. The Air Force is instrumental in providing air support, surveillance, and intelligence gathering, ensuring that ground forces can carry out their missions effectively.
One of the NAF’s key successes has been its involvement in reducing illegal bunkering and oil theft activities in the Niger Delta region. Opaleye reported a decline in such activities, attributing this progress to joint security efforts supported by air operations. The NAF’s ability to reach difficult terrains such as swamps, creeks, and mangroves has been instrumental in curbing illegal activities in these hard-to-reach areas.
“In areas where the Army, Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Police cannot access, the NAF is able to reach those places,” Opaleye explained. He stressed that while the public may not always see NAF personnel on the ground, the Air Force’s air operations create a crucial enabling environment for other security agencies to operate efficiently.
As part of its ongoing efforts to recruit more youth into the armed forces, the NAF has made it clear that the opportunity to serve is open to all Nigerians. The Open Day was just the beginning, and future initiatives will continue to focus on improving public perception and encouraging youth participation from all regions.
The Nigerian Air Force’s call for southern youths to enlist reflects the need for a diverse and inclusive military force that represents the entire country. By fostering unity through military service, the NAF hopes to build a stronger, more cohesive Nigeria capable of overcoming the challenges posed by both internal and external threats.
The Nigerian Air Force’s push for greater youth involvement from the South-West and South-East is part of a broader strategy to create a military force that truly represents the diversity of Nigeria’s people. Through initiatives like the Open Day event and the recruitment of new pilots, the NAF is positioning itself as a modern, dynamic, and inclusive force ready to tackle the security challenges of the 21st century.
For young Nigerians looking to serve their country and contribute to national security, the Nigerian Air Force offers a unique opportunity to be part of a proud and prestigious institution that plays a critical role in safeguarding the nation’s future.